Chicago Bulls accomplish significant feats in win over RocketsRyan Heckmanon December 21, 2021 at 5:00 pm

If you remember, the Bulls actually lost to these Rockets last month. That game is what kickstarted Houston’s 7-game winning streak, in fact. So, the Bulls had some business to finish in this one.

Monday night, the Bulls were still without a handful of players, including Zach LaVine and Ayo Dosunmu. But, that didn’t matter. They were firing on all cylinders. Chicago ended up winning 133-118 and making some statements along the way.

In their win over Houston, the Chicago Bulls accomplished a few key feats.

The Bulls’ 133 points were tied for a season-high. Their 73 points in the first half were the most they have scored all season long.

But, most impressively, the Bulls’ bench poured in 66 points — a season-high. The bench points were especially key for a team that’s been down so many players recently.

An unlikely star off the bench was Alfonzo McKinnie, who scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. McKinnie has been a feel-good story this year and is enjoying his dream come true, playing for his hometown team.

The rarely-used Tyler Cook also scored 11 points, making 7-of-8 free throws.

Guard Coby White came off the bench scorching, as he finished with a season-high 24 points.

Maybe the best stat to come out of this game has to do with starting point guard Lonzo Ball, who is amidst a stellar season — by far his best as a pro.