Chicago Bulls (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
In the first round of the NBA’s H-O-R-S-E Challenge, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine obliterated former Finals MVP Paul Pierce.
This all came together real quickly, and Chicago Bulls fans have to be thankful one of their own was involved. The league decided to put on a H-O-R-S-E competition featuring some current and former players, along with some WNBA stars.
The competition kicked off Easter Sunday on ESPN and Zach LaVine was paired up against former Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce.
Prior to LaVine and Pierce battling, there were two matchups. First up was Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young who took on former All Star point guard Chauncey Billups. It was a fairly boring game with Billups coming out on top. There was hardly any excitement and no trick shots performed.
Second, Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley took on WNBA legend Tamika Catchings. Conley had a little advantage, though, as he was indoors while Catchings shot outside in the cold. Conley won his matchup.
It is safe to say I wouldn’t have blamed anyone who turned their television off at this point, but Bulls fans had high hopes for their man, and he did not disappoint.
LaVine came out right away with some trickery and gave Pierce an ‘H’ right off the bat. LaVine went on to give Pierce an ‘O’ and ‘R’ in quick fashion. Pierce’s only bright moment was banking a three-pointer from straight on, which LaVine matched with ease.
RELATED PRODUCT
Download theScore App for the latest Basketball Scores, Stats, News and Odds
After LaVine hit a left-handed layup where he called all net and no rim (video here), he set himself up for a dagger.
LaVine backed himself up in the left corner of his court, all the way up against his fence, and knocked down a cold-blooded three with Pierce staring defeat in the eye (video here).
Pierce stepped into his shot, bricked it, and the game ended just like that — a clean, letter-less victory for the Bulls swingman.
It is safe to say LaVine’s shot selection was a whole lot more interesting and entertaining than the previous two matchups. The conversation between he and Pierce was also pleasantly fun to listen to, also. For those who stuck around to see LaVine take the stage, they were rewarded.
LaVine advances to the semi-finals on Thursday night on ESPN, and if he wins, he’s got a spot in the finale.
