CHICAGO _ The Bulls checked their holiday to-do list and remembered they have this weapon named Lauri Markkanen.
After taking just six shots in Wednesday's loss to the Nets, Markkanen scored a season-high 32 points on 20 shots in the Bulls' 90-80 victory over the Magic on Friday at the United Center.
"I just think he was aggressive," coach Jim Boylen said. "We tried to move him around a bit, get him to his spots. When you're that big and that skilled, good things can happen."
Markkanen attempted seven shots in the first quarter as the Bulls made him a focal point. Unfortunately for the Bulls, he missed six.
But then came three quick 3-pointers in the second quarter, and by the time Markkanen dunked over Nikola Vucevic in the third and drew a technical for taunting, he had made eight straight field goals.
It was Markannen's third 30-point effort and first since he scored a career-high 33 in his coming-out game Jan. 10 at Madison Square Garden.
No shot proved bigger than Markkanen's free-throw-line jumper with 40 seconds left after the Magic had whittled a 15-point deficit to five.
"He's the No. 1 guy on most people's scouting reports," Boylen said. "But we've got to do a better job of getting him in the flow and getting moving. And he's gotta do a better job. Be more aggressive. He knows that. One thing he is is for the team. So if there's anything I've asked him to be a little more selfish for us."
The Bulls posted 23 assists to just 10 turnovers, with both Kris Dunn and Ryan Arcidiacono recording eight assists. Arcidiacono tied his career high. Dunn recovered from badly rolling his right ankle in the first quarter to add 12 points and eight rebounds.
Justin Holiday's franchise-record of 43 games with at least one 3-pointer ended when he missed all five attempts.
The Magic return to the United Center on Jan. 2 and by then, maybe Jabari Parker can have a normal night. Then again, Parker might be on another team.
For the second time in eight days, mild drama surrounded Parker at a Bulls-Magic matchup.
On Dec. 13 in an NBA Global Games matchup in Mexico City, Boylen demoted Parker from the rotation, playing him just 4 minutes and only because rookie Chandler Hutchison missed the game because of illness. Parker hasn't played since, missing his fourth straight game Friday. One came by coach's decision, two were to a stomach illness and on Friday, Boylen went out of his way to make clear Parker chose not to dress despite practicing Thursday.
"He does not feel his conditioning is where it needs to be for him to play," Boylen said.
Contrast that statement to Boylen's answer when asked about the versatility of Hutchison, the small forward who played some backup power forward Friday because Bobby Portis is injured and Parker sat.
"I love him in the lineup," Boylen said. "He's a competitor. He's all the things we talk about. He's coachable. He's teachable. And he's becoming reliable. His heart's here. His soul is awesome. It's great."
It doesn't take a tea-leaf reader to know how Boylen feels about Parker, who is being shopped. An accessible Parker downplayed everything.
"Just trying to get in shape," he said. "When I come in, I want to contribute. It ain't trying to be for a less amount. I hold myself to a high standard and I try to do my best to contribute to the team. So that's where I'm at. Get a few practices in and hopefully see how Cleveland goes when I go there (Sunday).
"Need more up and down. That's going to help definitely because I haven't done much in a couple days. Just can't throw myself in the fire. When I go, I try to go 110 percent. That's the type of player I am."
Asked if Parker has to be managed more than most players following his benching, Boylen didn't hesitate with his answer.
"He's one of our guys," Boylen said. "We have to look out for each one of our guys and their individual needs and what's good for them. I'm OK with that. I just don't want it ever to violate the essence of the team. We'll make sure we manage that."
