In an unexpected twist this NBA season, the Chicago Bulls have drawn parallels to their glorious past. It's been over two decades since a Bulls team has kicked off a season with a perfect 5-0 record. The last time this happened was during the 1996-97 season, amidst the second three-peat of the legendary Michael Jordan and his 1990s dynasty. Not even the promising Baby Bulls of the mid-2000s, nor the formidable squads featuring Derrick Rose in the 2010s, or the recent teams led by Zach LaVine in the 2020s, achieved such a feat. But after a thrilling 135-125 victory against the New York Knicks on Friday—marking their first win in the NBA Cup play—the Bulls have made a statement: they are contenders.
Leading the charge for the Bulls is the emerging talent of 23-year-old Josh Giddey, who delivered a career-high performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, shooting an impressive 12-of-21 from the field. Veteran center Nikola Vučević also made significant contributions, scoring 26 points, including four 3-pointers, while fifth-year guard Ayo Dosunmu showcased his skills with 22 points and nine assists. This impressive display of teamwork has seen six Bulls players score in double figures for the fifth consecutive game this season, highlighting the depth of their roster.
In the game against the Knicks, the Bulls established a commanding 19-point lead by halftime. However, the Knicks made a spirited comeback, narrowing the deficit to a single possession. Yet, the Bulls demonstrated resilience, employing their signature style of play characterized by running, cutting, and seamless connectivity. When Mikal Bridges sank a 3-pointer to cut Chicago’s lead to four with just over four minutes left, the Bulls responded with an explosive 8-0 run, sealing their victory and proving their mettle on the court.
What many analysts expected to be a season where the Bulls would contend for a Play-In Tournament spot has instead resulted in them sitting atop the Eastern Conference. This remarkable achievement is attributed to Giddey's enhanced shooting and leadership, as well as Dosunmu's aggressive playing style. Moreover, the 35-year-old Vučević has defied expectations by performing at a level that belies his age and the presumption of declining skills. The Bulls have embraced an egalitarian offensive system that has allowed a roster of players, previously viewed as fringe starters, to thrive. This collective effort has earned the Bulls the affectionate nickname, the Improbabulls, as they stand as the only undefeated team remaining in the East.
This story will continue to evolve as the season progresses. Stay tuned for updates on the Chicago Bulls and their pursuit of greatness in the NBA.
