Can Chicago Bulls Channel Last Year's Late-Season Magic?

The feeling of Bulls Nation is perpetually perplexed and conflicted. Just when you're disappointed and hurting, staring hopelessly into the valley's bottom without sunshine on your face, this fragmented Chicago Bulls team finds ways to reignite your hope — ironically, always short-term.

Even after historically posting a franchise-worst February without a single victory, the Bulls revived with something different that always transforms tears into beacons of hope. A 27-0 third-quarter run demolished the Milwaukee Bucks 120-97 at the United Center on Sunday afternoon, allowing the new-look Chicago to snap its 11-game losing streak and capture its first win since the trade deadline.

Injury issues loom again as the Bulls approach deeper into the season's second half. Besides Zach Collins, who's been cleared that he will sit out for the rest of the season, Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons, both acquired at the deadline, are sidelined, while Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith are facing short absences.

Yet Chicago might finally discover its team identity amid this chaos, at least understanding what everyone should do while being frequently called upon by Billy Donovan to maintain rotational flow. While the team has eventually set up its leadership of Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, Rob Dillingham, Guerschon Yabusele and Leonard Miller, all buried on their former teams' benches, are stepping up significantly during the past miserable month.

Another big reason to believe in this team in the upcoming schedule is an elevating Buzelis. Under Billy Donovan's serious coaching approach, the Bulls' sophomore, who just graduated from being a Rising Star in the All-Star Weekend, has demonstrated tangible improvement. Beyond statistical growth, he's become more confident attacking downhill, launching threes and capitalizing on off-ball opportunities that align with Donovan's preferences. Sure, Buzelis still takes some mid-range shots, but if he eventually could hone the capability to create space and convert them efficiently, why not let him fly?

But one thing that the Bulls must clean up with a higher urgency is the turnover issue, which has become the most critical winning factor for Chicago moving forward. In February, the Bulls ranked second-worst in average turnovers at 18.2 per game. Considering those mistakes that easily hand possessions to the counterparts and kill the game pace that the Bulls usually relied on, cleaning up possessions would immediately elevate their competitiveness.

Remember last season's final push? The Bulls went 15-5 in their last 20 games to close out the season, earning a Play-In spot when everything seemed lost. Collins spoke about early in the preseason camp that there was a strong will among the team after being traded to Chicago with Tre Jones and Kevin Huerter — an impetus that fueled that late-season rally.

What could inspire this year's squad to replicate that magic? Perhaps a similar hunger exists. Ten current Bulls are former lottery picks who've fallen short at various points in their careers. They're thirsty to prove themselves and contribute to winning. That chip on their shoulder could become powerful fuel.

The Sunday relieving triumph of Milwaukee proves this team possesses fight when everything clicks. As roles are clarified, the chemistry forms in the right way.

Don't panic, Bulls Nation. The season hasn't finished yet. March madness might still await.