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With Zach LaVine opting against participating in the Slam Dunk Contest, Lauri Markkanen was the only Bulls representation in Charlotte for All-Star Weekend. (Unless you want to count Michael Reinsdorf!) While Markkanen’s Team World lost 161-144 to MVP Kyle Kuzma and Team USA, the Bulls big man enjoyed a nice showing with 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting to go along with six rebounds in 22 minutes.
These games obviously feature little to no defense, so big numbers aren’t all that impressive, but it was still nice to see Markkanen perform well in a game loaded with outstanding young talent. The Finnisher (he wore shoes with this nickname on them) had several big dunks, including an alley-oop from Luka Doncic and a windmill on a fast break:
That Luka Doncic to @MarkkanenLauri connection pic.twitter.com/CfcNk7A1jZ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 16, 2019
Lauri casually bringing out a windmill dunk at @NBAAllStar's Rising Star game: pic.twitter.com/OD4TcthrSP
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 16, 2019
Here are Markkanen’s full highlights:
You represented Team World and the #Bulls well, @MarkkanenLauri!
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 16, 2019
The Finnisher brought in 21 points, including some fancy dunks: pic.twitter.com/2FLLhXq3Po
Markkanen has been outstanding for the Bulls of late as the offense has opened up with Otto Porter Jr. in the fold, and those good vibes carried over to this weekend in Charlotte. Before the game, he had some fun interacting with fellow Euros Dirk Nowitzki (the coach of Team World) and Luka Doncic, even using a Simpson GIF to make a mutiny joke:
— Lauri Markkanen (@MarkkanenLauri) February 14, 2019
The Bulls may be having a terrible season, but Markkanen is a beacon of light for the franchise. Perhaps we’ll see him in the actual All-Star Game next season in Chicago. Here’s the logo:
CHICAGO, you ready for @NBAAllStar 2020?!
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 18, 2019
More: https://t.co/delouNEieV pic.twitter.com/1ukcjsyxIM
Get excited.
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