The Latest Breaking News from Billy Donovan

The coach has been saying since the start of the season that this year was going to be even “harder than last.’’ Friday’s overtime loss in Oklahoma City was evidence of that, as Donovan is still trying to get his players to buy into the new-look offense.

Coach Billy Donovan challenged his veteran trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic after an embarrassing loss to Orlando last week, and not only have the three responded, but have done so in impressive fashion with wins over Boston and Milwaukee.

After getting benched late in the loss Friday to Orlando, the two-time All-Star was back in crunch time, helping the Bulls end Boston’s nine-game winning streak Monday.

While LaVine can be very blunt in his replies at times, what the coach appreciates about him is his authentic leadership style. Maybe that’s why the two can have a difference of opinion and move on.

LaVine made his feelings about being benched on Friday known.

LaVine didn’t agree with coach Billy Donovan’s decision to sit him late in Friday’s loss to Orlando, and he felt exactly the same two days later. The two discussed it, and said all the right things about moving forward.

CHICAGO — In the waning minutes of the Chicago Bulls’ 108-107 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday night, Zach LaVine found himself in an unfamiliar place: on the bench, watching his team attempt to finish a comeback at the United Center.

LaVine sat the final four minutes of Friday's loss to Orlando.

After a late-game benching in the Friday loss to Orlando, LaVine expressed his disappointment in his coach’s decision. But there’s a bigger picture here, and if the Bulls want to get out of mediocrity in the life of this LaVine contract, someone needs to start answering some hard questions.