Zach LaVine hits clutch game-winning lay-up as Chicago Bulls take down Philadelphia 76ers
Thursday 7 March 2019 08:25, UK
Zach LaVine hit a clutch game-winning lay-up with 1.6 seconds remaining as the Chicago Bulls earned a dramatic victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
LaVine erupted for 39 points on 14-of-26 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three-point range. He made nine of his 13 free throws and added five rebounds and four assists as the lowly Bulls stunned the short-handed Sixers 108-107.
He scored 24 of his points in the second half, a scoring explosion punctuated by a spectacular alley-oop slam to finish off a Chicago fast break.
With the game on the line in the final minute, LaVine powered to the hoop to score on a driving lay-up that gave the Bulls the lead. He was fouled on the play which gave him the chance to extend the Bulls 108-107 lead from the free throw line.
LaVine missed the free throw, leaving the 76ers with a chance to grab the lead back, but a lob into the paint intended for Jimmy Butler was off the mark as the buzzer sounded.
The players walked off the floor but the officials convened and determined Robin Lopez did not tip the ball and the clock erroneously started, giving Philadelphia a second chance.
Ben Simmons' inbound pass to Butler was fumbled and the Bulls finally earned the win to snap a two-game losing skid.
Speaking after the game LaVine was asked to describe his mentality during the game's vital closing moments. He said: "Aggressive. I know I can get to my spots. My team needs me to score and make big baskets.
"I know that's what you have to do to go out and get a win like this against a playoff team."
Click the video at the top of the page to watch LaVine's game-winning lay-up.
