Chicago Bulls fans haven't had much to cheer about this season, but that changed on Saturday night. Zach LaVine made his much-anticipated debut in a 107-105 victory over the Detroit Pistons, netting 14 points in just 19 minutes of action.LaVine, who hadn't played in an NBA game since injuring his left knee on Feb. 3, went 5-for-9 from the field, and showed no ill-effects in his return to action.

"It felt really good," LaVine told ESPN after the game. "Just to be out there playing again, having that feeling; I haven't had it in such a long time. To get the win, cap it off; I'd love to play in the fourth quarter, but I'll be able to soon. It was just a good night overall."

Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg wants to limit LaVine to around 20 minutes per game in the short term, so that the team can closely monitor his knee. LaVine did not play at all in the fourth quarter, but the team was still able to rally without their athletic guard, and scratch out a second consecutive victory.

"Just [him] being there is a huge confidence for us," Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic said. "Because we all know he's been practicing hard, working hard to be back and to be with us. He's a great guy, he's a great teammate, and we were all looking forward for this."

LaVine, who was acquired in a blockbuster draft-night deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves that sent All-Star guard Jimmy Butler packing from the Windy City, was introduced last during Saturday's starting introductions, a spot usually reserved for the franchise player of the team. He also received a warm standing ovation from the crowd during a postgame interview.

"He's a very smooth player and has a lot of confidence to rise up in his first shot and knock down a 3," Hoiberg said. "It shows you that he's been itching for this moment to get out there and back on the floor with his teammates. I thought he played very effective and efficient. I thought he took good shots, he played within himself, made good plays when they stepped up and double-teamed him ... a really good first game."

The 22-year-old is undeniably the centerpiece of the Bulls' rebuild, and intends on signing a contract extension at some point with the franchise. He'll be a restricted free agent this summer, which means Chicago will have the opportunity to match any offer the former Slam Dunk Contest champion receives from other teams.

LaVine averaged 18.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 47 games for the Timberwolves last season.