Whether the Bulls earn wins against other bottom feeders or rack up losses to improve their positioning in the Zion Williamson sweepstakes, continued progression from their core will be important over the final three weeks of the regular season.
With Otto Porter nursing a shoulder injury for the second consecutive game and Zach LaVine a late scratch with a thigh bruise, all eyes were on Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn as both attempted to break out of slumps against a porous Wizards defense.
Both players made good on their opportunity, shining in high-usage roles that helped the Bulls knock off the Wizards in overtime, 126-120.