The Chicago Bulls kept their momentum going in a 125-120 victory over the Houston Rockets this past Monday night.

Shooting guard Zach Lavine was brilliant yet again, scoring 33 points while also adding 7 assists and 4 rebounds.

He said after the game that he is, “pretty locked in right now and focused. I’m having fun with the game and there’s a couple of games we should’ve won but that’s basketball and that’s why you play them.”

“Locked in” is putting it mildly, as Lavine is fifth in the league in scoring with 27.5 points per game through the first 10 games of the season. Lavine’s averages in points, assists, and rebounds are all career highs as he and his team seemed to be starting to build chemistry.

Lavine was not the only player to have a good game as Rockets superstar Victor Oladipo showed just why he’s known as a star, as he had 32 points to go along with 9 assists and 4 rebounds. It seemed like Oladipo and Lavine were going jab for jab in crunch time, as the two combined for 14 points in the final 4:50 of the game.

Bulls forward Lauri Markannen complimented Lavine well all night, as he contributed 18 points to go along with 8 boards. Oladipo’s wingman was Christian Wood, as he added 30 points as well as 9 rebounds.

It was a fast-paced, back and forth game all night as the Bulls yet again allowed their opponent to reach over 100 points. Defense is certainly something this young Bulls team needs to work on, as they rank third to last in opponents’ points per game.

Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan knows this, as Zach Lavine said Donovan, “challenges you and he puts a big deal of, I don’t wanna say pressure, but he makes you step up to the plate. And, for me personally, I like that.”

It seems unlike last year’s coach Jim Boylen, Billy Donovan sees the flaws and his team and wants them to fix them and improve. For the Bulls to really get to the next level, Lavine cannot be the the only scoring threat on the floor. Point guard Coby White needs to bring his best effort night in and night out, and the wings like Otto Porter and rookie Patrick Williams need to knock down their open looks at a higher rate.

Also, the bench needs to get involved every night, as the Bulls starting lineup is not the strongest of the bunch. Veterans like Garrett Temple and Thaddeus Young need to make the correct decisions and help the younger guys out in late game scenarios.

All in all, this young Bulls team is showing flashes of potential night in and night out, which is all you can ask for through this rebuilding process as a fan.