After giving up 45 points in the first quarter, the Chicago Bulls looked like they might be done early.
The Philadelphia 76ers shot 9-of-17 on threes in the first half with Tyrese Maxey (22 points) and Joel Embiid (18 points) getting whatever they wanted.
But credit to the Bulls, who resiliently fought back from down as many as 24 points in the first half, to ultimately win 113-111.
Josh Giddey registered another triple-double, his second-straight, doing everything in his power to keep the Bulls’ offense on pace with the red-hot 76ers. He had 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists while shooting 10-of-19 from the field.
Nikola Vucevic was also key, with 19 points and 10 rebounds, but had two key steals on Joel Embiid’s post-ups, not to mention hitting the game-winning three from the corner.
Reinforcements can’t come back soon enough.
Prior to the game, Billy Donovan provided an update on Coby White, who has been out all season with a calf injury.
It was announced on October 20 that White would be re-evaluated in two weeks, as White experienced tightness in his calf while ramping up prior to opening night. For the last few days, White has been cutting and sprinting, but the team’s medical staff wants a longer period to ensure he doesn’t run into trouble as he continues to work his way into game shape.
“The hope is, in a couple weeks, he’ll play,” Donovan said.
Ayo Dosunmu (quad) was also out for the Bulls, his second consecutive missed game. His presence was missed as the Bulls struggled to find the paint on drives aside from Giddey.
Up next: The Bulls head to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Friday, and the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Saturday.
Tune into the CHGO Bulls postgame live show:
Much was made about opponents shooting just 25.9 percent (28-for-108) on threes against the Bulls during their first four games of the season. No way that was going to sustain, but how much of the Bulls’ defensive success (10th in defense through six games) was due to that poor opponent shooting alone?
After going 8-of-11 on threes in the first quarter against the Bulls, it seemed as if that regression was all coming back at once. But the Sixers went just 3-of-19 from three the rest of the way, allowing Chicago the opening to come back. Still, opponents are now 49-of-107 (45.8 percent) over the last three games, and the Bulls have gone 2-1.
It’s up to the Bulls to do more to put opponents in more difficult positions. The lack of physicality at the point of attack was palpable in the first half, but far better during their second-half run. The Bulls held the 76ers scoreless in the final six minutes of gameplay.
The Bulls are probably not going to be able to maintain a top-10 defensive pace, but they have to play with physicality that resembles their second half if they want to continue competing with the best teams in the Eastern Conference. — Will Gottlieb
Big Dave and I were talking in Pregame about whether tonight would be a Joel Embiid game or a Tyrese Maxey (39 points) game. The answer? …Yes. The former MVP and current MVP candidate absolutely cooked the Bulls all night. Missing Dosunmu is undoubtedly a hit to the team’s defense, but one man can’t save them, or define them. Isn’t that what many people (Arturas Karnisovas, Donovan, Isaac Okoro) said about establishing a “defensive identity” after the Lonzo Ball-Okoro trade?
No coincidence that the Bulls’ third-quarter run to cut into the 76ers’ lead was sparked by more lively defense. It doesn’t take elite talent to get hands in passing lanes and chase down loose balls. The Bulls have to win those defensive margins every night to give themselves a chance to win.
We knew the schedule was going to get tougher after that 5-0 start. The sky isn’t falling by any means. The Bulls know what they need to do to win games. But their winning philosophy and schemes will get put to harder tests as the season progresses and their opponents start to figure out their winning formulas. And when they face elite talents like Maxey and Embiid, who can beat good defense with better offense.
Credit to the Bulls for fighting their way back in it, though. Shoutouts to Kevin Huerter and Jalen Smith for active games off the bench. And it was a rough first half for Matas Buzelis, but nice to see him show some life in the second half comeback.
…That Bulls defense held Philly without a field goal for SIX MINUTES in the fourth quarter?
…Wait, they won?? Wow. Great job, Bulls. — Matt Peck
Wow. That escalated quickly.
The 76ers were ready to play. The Bulls came out sluggish. Maxey was out of his mind. He showed why he is getting MVP whispers this season. Unreal performance on his birthday.
Great job by the Bulls to fight back in this game. The fight in this team is evident.
This game also showed why White is so important. When your offense breaks down and you just need a bucket, who do the Bulls gonna be the one to get that for you? Get well, Mr. White. Gonna need you. Soon.
Red Panda is back!!! Came out rockin’ the 45! Legend respect Legend.
I need Buzelis to be better. Not feeling him out there these last couple games.
Giddey continues to put his stamp on this team as the leader. He carried them in this game. — Big Dave
