The Chicago Bulls (21-24) competed in their fourth ever NBA international game on Thursday, where they faced the Detroit Pistons (12-36) in Paris, France. 

The Bulls defeated the Pistons in convincing fashion, winning 126-108. The Bulls dominated the game while France native and former Chicago Bull Joakim Noah was in attendance. Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach Lavine led the charge for the Bulls with a game high 30 points. 

This would be the Bulls first international game since Dec. 13, 2018, when they were defeated in a 91-97 loss against the Orlando Magic in Mexico City, Mexico. This was also the first international win that the Bulls have had since 2013, when they defeated the Washington Wizards 116-81 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 

Although the Bulls have been struggling this season, games like this show that they are still capable of being one of the best teams in the NBA when they are working on all cylinders moving the basketball around and knocking down wide-open shots. 

This game also showed that the Chicago Bulls are one of the most internationally recognized teams in the NBA. Those who watched Thursday’s game could see that a majority of the fans in attendance were wearing Bulls attire. It even seemed that the fans in attendance who didn’t wear any Bulls attire were still cheering for them to win. 

This international impact is why I believe the Chicago Bulls should have an international game at least once a year. The Chicago Bulls are already known worldwide from the performance of Michael Jordan in the 90’s. That recognition has carried over to today. Having the Bulls play more international games would be a great way to introduce new people who aren’t from the United States to basketball. 

The Chicago Bulls will have a four day rest period until they face the Atlanta Hawks at 7:00 p.m. Monday.