CHICAGO _ On the night Bulls forward Bobby Portis publicly apologized to Nikola Mirotic, Lauri Markkanen posted his first double-double in his second NBA start.
Portis' eight-game suspension for concussing Mirotic and breaking two bones in Mirotic's face with a punch has sidelined both players, handing Markkanen the future now.
Development, not wins and losses, is management's focus for now, which is a good thing after the Spurs pulled away in the second half for an 87-77 triumph.
Markkanen played solidly in his NBA debut on Thursday, finishing with 17 points and eight rebounds while playing respectable defense. He built on that with 13 points and 12 rebounds Saturday.
Robin Lopez's team-high 16 points featured his first career 3-pointer.
LaMarcus Aldridge's 28 points and 10 rebounds led the Spurs.
The Spurs were without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker. Denzel Valentine suited up for the Bulls after missing Friday's practice with a sore knee.
