The Chicago Bulls were sitting pretty this time last week. After winning two, tough battles against the Knicks and Nets, it looked like everything was starting to click. However, what started as some “bad luck” with DeRozan being sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols has quickly turned into an all-out disaster. It seems as if everyone is now being bit by the COVID-bug, and it’s starting to show in games.

The Bulls have depth one of the best starting rotations in the league. But with this new outbreak across the team, things weren’t clicking against the Heat on Saturday night in Miami. Losing 118-92, it doesn’t seem like there’d be many positives that we can take away in a game like this. But fear not, there were a few players who shined some light in what was a brutal loss. Two of these players can be expected, but one player is somebody you may least expect.

#1: Lonzo Ball

In what seemed to be a game that only showcased Heat highlights, Lonzo let his name be known. Finishing with 15 points, 5 boards, 3 assists, a block, and a steal, Ball was a huge piece for the team. Leading the squad with 40 minutes played, Lonzo showed his toughness and stepped up for his brothers when they lacked depth.

It’s also worthy to note a stat that Lonzo achieved this past week that many may have not realized.

Lonzo Ball has been incredible so far this season ???? pic.twitter.com/Rbi2fldJLs

— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) December 8, 2021

That’s actually crazy when you start to think about these numbers. He has two stud teammates averaging 26 points per game each, so it’s not uncommon for his numbers to go unappreciated. But recently, he’s been gaining more attention, and he deserves it. Lonzo really has been ballin’, and it’s gonna be such a different team when other core pieces come back.

#2: Zach Lavine

This may seem obvious, but his stardom deserves to be recognized. So, let’s cut to the chase: Lavine is a baller this season. Finishing the night with 33 points, 7 rebounds, 4 dimes, and a steal in 38 minutes played? Yea, not much more you can ask for especially when your team is down.

The other thing that stands out about Lavine no matter who he’s playing with is his desire to win and do it whatever way that takes. That can be seen as the common theme for this entire Bulls team this season, but Lavine takes that leadership to a whole new level. However, with the recent news that Lavine has entered COVID-19 protocols as well, it’s time to see who steps up as the leader while DeMar and Lavine remain out. Let’s just hope everyone gets back and healthy soon because we need some more of this energy during the holiday season.

The clutch three by Lonzo Ball against the Nets had DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine fired up.

(Picture via Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/CcYdTT9sG8

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 5, 2021

#3: Alfonzo McKinnie (Yes, You Read That Right)

Not who you thought would be here for the third reason, huh? The Chicago native recently signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls, and Coach Donovan let him prove his case in a time that’s asking for anybody and everybody to step up. After playing 29 minutes in his first start with the team, McKinnie only finished with 6 points, an assist, and a block. But ya know what? He played hard and drew some attention from the national spotlight as well.

OK McKinnie, we see you ???? pic.twitter.com/zg2ZjhSql6

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 12, 2021

The dude comes in, drills a 3 to spark some momentum, and then hustles back on defense…what else do you want? In all honesty, McKinnie could be a huge piece for this team the next week, and maybe even the rest of the season, assuming he can stay healthy. Seriously, let’s not forget the absolute assassin he was in the G League this year.

The Chicago Bulls are signing veteran G/F Alfonzo McKinnie via hardship exemption, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. McKinnie has played for NBA G League’s Mexico City Capitanes this season, averaging 24.1 PPG and 43.3 percent from 3-point range.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2021

Enjoy The Wins, Learn From The Losses

The Bulls now sit at 17-10 after dropping the last two games against the Cavs and Heat and are currently tied with the Bucks for 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. With the bad luck, the Bulls have been struck with recently, we can only hope that everyone gets back to the court healthy and soon. Until then, the Bulls face the Pistons, Raptors, and Lakers all within the next week. However, it’s going to come down to COVID on whether or not we can even play.

Under league rules, the Bulls need to have eight eligible players vs. the Pistons on Tuesday. There have been no Covid-related postponements in the NBA this season, but the Bulls outbreak — with LaVine and Troy Brown the latest — continues and postponements could be an option.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 12, 2021