Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine are on the right path.  KD’s mere presence on the basketball floor brings a defensive energy that’s contagious throughout the lineup.  Even the much-maligned Jabari Parker made some nice hustle plays on D.  I foresee a future with above-average defenders at 1-3-5 (Dunn, Hutchison, Carter) alongside athletic scorers who’ll compete on both ends at 2 and 4 (LaVine & Lauri Markkanen.)  Zach continued his insane offensive onslaught, shooting the lights out (11-15 & 5-7 on 3s) at American Airlines Center on his way to 34 points.  He’s top 5 in the league right now in points per game and he’s shooting 70%(!!!!!!) from the field so far this season.

The Mavericks earned a 115-109 victory to drop the Bulls record to 0-3.  Rookie Luka Doncic was impressive with 19 points and 6 assists via an array of visionary passes to find open teammates for wide open threes and easy buckets.  DeAndre Jordan dominated the paint with 18 points and 16 boards, 6 of which came on the offensive end for put backs and second chance opportunities.

LaVine wasn’t the only Bull who had it going from outside.  Parker came off the bench in the 1st quarter ready to contribute.  After missing his first attempt, Jabari sunk a 19-footer, then followed his own miss a minute later for a layup.  He hit his next four shots, including a three.  Parker ended up with 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting.

Blakeney didn’t get much run, while Hutchison saw significant action.  Perhaps Fred Hoiberg decided it was time to get some defenders in there after two straight high-scoring losses.  Bulls got the L, but they come home next for a Wednesday matchup with the Hornets.  It’s a winnable game, although Kemba Walker’s been known to go off against the Bulls and Charlotte comes to Chicago with a respectable 2-2 record.  Let’s get one.  Go Bulls.