Times have been hard for the Chicago Bulls. But that might have changed on Monday night, as the Bulls erupted for 69 first-half points in a rout of the Detroit Pistons, 113-82.

Chicago at one time had a commanding 38 point lead in the second quarter and led at the half by 35, at 69-34.

The Pistons had been a tough team for the Bulls to beat. Not so on Monday.   Seven Bulls players scored in double-figures. Chicago hit 17 of 21 field goal attempts in the first quarter to take a double-digit lead, and in the second quarter, the rampage continued.  Jimmy Butler dished and swished. Rajon Rondo almost had a triple double scoring 10 points while making 14 assists and 8 rebounds.  Taj Gibson went 8 for 8 from the field in scoring 16 points.

As bad as the team looked against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bulls (14-13) did a 180 and played great. All starters scored in double-figures. Butler had 19 points to lead the team. Robin Lopez looked active in the low post and had 14 points.

The Bulls shot 60% from the floor, a far cry from last Friday’s performance.

Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the Pistons did not mince words after the game. “It was terrible,” speaking of the team’s play.  Jon Leuer came off the bench to score 16 points for Detroit. Andre Drummond only had nine points and four rebounds in the game. He’s been hard to stop prior to this game for the Bulls.

Doug McDermott of the Bulls had 13 points and seems to be rounding into shape after his recent concussion that knocked him out of the lineup.

Chicago next hosts Washington to conclude a three-game home stand.