Washington Wizards: 3 Keys to victory over the Chicago Bulls

Stop Zach LaVine

Just as the Washington Wizards have Bradley Beal, a legitimate stud surrounded by odd parts and hopeful prospects, the Chicago Bulls have Zach LaVine. And just as Beal has given the Bulls fits in their two previous meetings this year — Beal’s averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in their two losses — LaVine’s done even better.

In the Bulls’ two wins over the Wizards this season, LaVine’s averaged 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Like Beal, LaVine was towards the top of All-Star snub lists this season, a slight that probably stung a bit more considering the All-Star game is going down in Chicago.

Nonetheless, the snubbing hasn’t slowed down LaVine, who is coming off a monster 32-points, eight-rebound performance ahead of his matchup with the Wizards.

Despite giving up 24 to LaVine in their first meeting, the Wizards actually did an excellent job keeping him contained on offense. LaVine made just six of his twenty-three field goal attempts, and only buried one of his eight three-point shots. Not exactly an All-Star performance.

Unfortunately, the Wizards sent LaVine to the line eleven times that night. He’s only had three other games this season in which he’s attempted more. And that night, he was perfect, sinking all eleven.

In that game, the Bulls stormed back to win in overtime. Keeping LaVine in check for most of the game is what helped the Wizards maintain a lead for most of the game. Now can they do it for an entire game?