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The NBA Paris Game ended in spectacular fashion as the Chicago Bulls took over the Detroit Pistons 126-108 to improve to 21-24. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic all played a huge part, but there was more to the story of their trip to Paris that most fans know.
This wasn't the Bulls' first rodeo in France. Before the NBA had global games that targeted specific countries to promote the game, the Bulls did it incredibly back in 1997. Chicago participated in the McDonald's Championship that happened at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, now known as the Accor Arena.
Back in 1997, the tournament had its eighth edition, and the Bulls participated. Together with the Bulls, other teams like Paris Basket Racing, Olympiacos Piraeus, Atenas de Cordoba, Benetton Treviso and FC Barcelona's Banca Catalana also joined in on the fun.
The Chicago Bulls have remained unbeaten after their NBA Paris Game 2023
When the Bulls played in Paris in 1997, no one expected them to take over the tournament. Headlined by Michael Jordan, Chicago had an amazing run in the McDonald's Championship. What's even more impressive is that Jordan and his squad had just won the 1997 title a few months earlier.
Their first win came against PSG Racing, who were the hosts of the tournament, in the semifinals. Their second win came in the championship game against the Olympiacos Piraeus team. The Bulls easily handled the game 104-78.
MJ was awarded with the MVP award of the tournament.
With Thursday night's win against the Pistons, the Bulls improved to 3-0 in Paris.
The Bulls' Big Three had great performances at the NBA Paris Game
LaVine put up amazing stats in Thursday's 126-108 win over the Detroit Pistons at the NBA Paris Game. He wasn't alone as DeRozan and Vucevic also helped out.
LaVine had 30 points, five rebounds, and four assists, shooting 50% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range. DeRozan added 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Vucevic had 16 points, 15 rebounds and six assists as the man in the middle. His passing was important as he made it difficult for the Pistons to read his offense. Derrick Jones Jr. had a big night off the bench as well, putting up incredible dunks.
The Bulls will take on the Atlanta Hawks next week after they travel back home.
Guess the Lakers players!
