The Bulls' return to the United Center was a bittersweet affair for Zach LaVine, who watched from the opposing bench as his former team fell short of victory. LaVine's emotional tribute video played on the scoreboard, followed by applause that seemed to bring him back to life. However, when he thumped his fist on his chest, it became clear that this was not the same thrill ride he once experienced playing for the Bulls.
LaVine's Kings team, led by 27 points from Matas Buzelis, played a game of catch-up throughout most of the contest before pulling away in the second half. The former Bull's return to his old stomping grounds came with some added meaning, as he acknowledged that Chicago was home for him.
While LaVine claimed it didn't feel like an "emotional" night, there were still flashes of nostalgia and what-ifs. His former teammates, including DeMar DeRozan, who had been traded away months prior to the deal that sent LaVine to Sacramento, seemed a bit more subdued in their post-game reaction.
The emotional return was on full display from Bulls coach Billy Donovan, however. The Hall of Fame coach couldn't help but speak fondly of his former players as people, not just competitors.
LaVine's Kings team had other business to attend to – namely trying to keep up with Buzelis, who is a rising star and an integral part of the Bulls' offense. Despite LaVine's presence, Buzelis stole the show, scoring 27 points in his first meeting against his former coach.
The evening left many reflecting on the what-ifs – could this team have been a contender last season? Could they have made another deep run into the playoffs?
As for Donovan, he acknowledged that while his team will never know what could've been, there's still so much to be proud of. LaVine and DeRozan might not have had the ending they wanted in Chicago, but the bond they formed with their teammates remains strong.
In this emotional night at the United Center, there were moments of pure joy – like Vucevic's excited reunion with his former teammates.
LaVine's Kings team, led by 27 points from Matas Buzelis, played a game of catch-up throughout most of the contest before pulling away in the second half. The former Bull's return to his old stomping grounds came with some added meaning, as he acknowledged that Chicago was home for him.
While LaVine claimed it didn't feel like an "emotional" night, there were still flashes of nostalgia and what-ifs. His former teammates, including DeMar DeRozan, who had been traded away months prior to the deal that sent LaVine to Sacramento, seemed a bit more subdued in their post-game reaction.
The emotional return was on full display from Bulls coach Billy Donovan, however. The Hall of Fame coach couldn't help but speak fondly of his former players as people, not just competitors.
LaVine's Kings team had other business to attend to – namely trying to keep up with Buzelis, who is a rising star and an integral part of the Bulls' offense. Despite LaVine's presence, Buzelis stole the show, scoring 27 points in his first meeting against his former coach.
The evening left many reflecting on the what-ifs – could this team have been a contender last season? Could they have made another deep run into the playoffs?
As for Donovan, he acknowledged that while his team will never know what could've been, there's still so much to be proud of. LaVine and DeRozan might not have had the ending they wanted in Chicago, but the bond they formed with their teammates remains strong.
In this emotional night at the United Center, there were moments of pure joy – like Vucevic's excited reunion with his former teammates.
He seemed so lost in the moment when he saw his old team up on the court 
. You could tell he still had a lot of love for Chicago, but also some lingering feelings about leaving. It's funny how things like that can bring back nostalgia and what-ifs... 
I felt bad for DeMar DeRozan, though - it seemed like his heart wasn't in the post-game celebration 
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He just radiated warmth and appreciation for his former players. It made me appreciate him even more as a coach... 
I'm glad LaVine is doing well in Sacramento, but it's clear that Chicago will always be home to him 
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. But for me, it was sad to see DeRozan just chillin' on the sidelines - I wish they could've made one more push for a title. 
Coach Donovan was super nice about it too, still talking about his former players like family... I guess that's just how you stay classy 
. And can we talk about Vucevic's reaction when he saw his old mates? Priceless 
!
. I mean, when he watched his old team lose from the other side of the court, you could tell it wasn't just about the game – there were some 'what-ifs' and nostalgia moments that aren't exactly easy to shake off 
. It's crazy how one player can make such a big impact, especially when they're still relatively new to the league 
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. LaVine and DeRozan might not have had the ending they wanted in Chicago, but their bond with the team remains strong 
.
watching his old team lose while he was on the other side. He looked so happy to be back home, but it wasn't the same fire that drove him when he played here. I'm glad Matas Buzelis had a big game and showed us what he's capable of - but man, DeMar DeRozan just looked so lost 
. Like LaVine thinks he just walked back into his old life, but really he's still got that "former Bull" stigma hanging over him 
. And what's up with DeRozan? He seems so fake in his post-game interview 
. And have you seen Buzelis' stats? That guy is too good to be true 
. I'm telling you, this Bulls team is just a smokescreen for their real agenda: to distract us from the real issues in the league 
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. Anyway, it's all good, I guess. The Bulls are moving forward, and LaVine is doing his thing in Sacramento 
especially with billy donovan being all emotional and stuff about his former players 
. And can we talk about how DeRozan and the rest of the team were so subdued? Like they were just going through the motions? 
The only guy who seemed to care was Billy Donovan, bless his heart... he's still got love for those guys even though it didn't end well 
. But seriously, what if they had made another deep run in the playoffs? Would we be seeing a different outcome today? So many what-ifs and maybes 
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but on a more positive note, i loved how coach donovan spoke so fondly of his former players as people, that's what being in the game is all about 
I'm not gonna lie though, watching LaVine play against his old team was kinda awkward, especially when he had to sit on the bench 
. But hey, at least DeRoZan and Billy Donovan were cool about it, no hard feelings there 
! It shows he still cares about the Bulls and Chicago, even though things didn't work out for him there. The fact that his former teammates seemed a bit down afterwards is kinda sad, but Billy Donovan's comments made me smile - it's clear they've got love for each other, win or lose 
!
meanwhile Buzelis steals the show for the Bulls and gets 27 points in just his first game back 
️ & i gotta say, matas buzelis is somethin else 
, he was so hyped to be back but it didn't feel the same 
. I think it's cool that they showed him a tribute video on the scoreboard though 
, but you can tell it still hurts 
.
Vucevic's reunion with his teammates was just the cherry on top of an already emotional night... it's funny how a game can make you think about all the what-ifs and could've beens... but honestly, I'm just happy to see LaVine thriving in Sacramento, he deserves it 
. can we talk about how this team was robbed of a contender spot last season though?