Billy Donovan vouched for Zach LaVine to make the All-Star reserves following the Chicago Bulls' 122-114 win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
LaVine scored 38 points on 15-of-20 shooting. He is currently averaging 28.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on the season.
"When you look at players that are All-Stars, you are saying they are playing at a high level individually and they are also raising the level of the team. I think Zach has done that," said Donovan after the game.
The All-Star reserves, voted on by coaches, are announced on Tuesday.
LaVine attributed his improvements to being more aware on the court, especially on the defensive end.
"I’m just working. I’ve gotten a lot better with it, especially just awareness. I’ve always been able to guard the ball. Athletically, I don’t feel like it’s a lot of guys who are more athletic than me that’s going to beat me off the dribble. But just being locked into coverages, watching film and knowing what the other team is going to do and the player that you’re guarding, try to take away what they do well.
"You’re not always going to be good at it, or it’s not always going to work. But at least just try to make him do something that he’s not good at."
