The Chicago Bulls are finally back in the contending conversation after miring in mediocrity for the better part of the past decade. Completing its first sweep of the LA teams in nearly ten years, the Bulls look like a force only 14 games in.

Led by the scoring punch of Zach Lavine and DeMar Derozan, Chicago’s lethal scoring duo is averaging a combined 51.8 points per game. A myriad of role players are contributing with key stars out such as Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams.

Point guard Lonzo Ball is adding his court vision as well as his new and improved three-point shot. Alex Caruso is a tough perimeter defender off the bench and Ayo Dosumu is the surprise rookie from this year’s draft class.

Getting Coby White back from injury is also massive to the scoring punch off the bench.

Playing With An Edge

Aside from the Golden State game Friday, the Bulls have been in every game this season. The team is 10-4 against the spread this year. They’ve shown mental toughness even when down as shown in the 19-point comeback against Boston.

This drive appears to be coming from players that have been written off in some form. Lonzo Ball in his previous two stops hasn’t been considered a long-term solution at the point guard position despite being a top free agent.

Demar DeRozan, the main trade piece in the Kawhi Leonard trade a few seasons ago, has made note of those that have counted him as well as the Bulls out.

“People saying I was washed for the last few years,” said derozan. “The narrative of ‘won’t fit’ – I can find all type of chips that I use as my motivation. I just want to be a winner and enjoy this ride.”

Team Chemistry

At this point, it’s no secret, the Bulls enjoy playing with one another. It’s evident on the court and it’s reinforced by what the players say.

"What's it like playing with Lonzo Ball?"

DeMar's smile says it all. pic.twitter.com/SS2Xy7jwDC

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 16, 2021

Alex Caruso and Nikola Vucevic went to Twitter after the game against the Lakers to praise the move to get Demar DeRozan. A move fueled by Vucevic’s recruitment of DeRozan.