Chicago Bulls’ Historic Start: Are We Witnessing a New Era in the Windy City?

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The Chicago Bulls have stormed into the 2025–26 NBA season with a 5–0 record, their best start in nearly three decades, dating all the way back to the Jordan-Pippen dynasty.

In their latest win, a 135–125 Halloween thriller over the New York Knicks, Chicago proved they’re more than just a hot start. Despite blowing a 21-point lead in the second quarter, the Bulls showed remarkable resilience in the second half, regaining control with efficient offense and sharp, team-first defense.

This post expands on a segment from the latest episode of Harrison Talks Pod, where we broke down what’s behind this surprising surge and what it means for the Bulls’ season going forward.

Offensive Explosion: A Balanced, Modern Attack

Chicago’s offense is humming at an elite level:

  • 122.8 points per game, shooting 50.3% from the field and 40.2% from three

  • Effective FG%: 58.1 | True Shooting: 61.8%

  • 30.6 assists per game with an assist rate of nearly 70% resulting in elite ball movement

  • Pace: 103.3, keeping defenses on their heels

This is a modernized Bulls offense, built on spacing, unselfish passing, and versatility. They aren’t relying on a single star to carry the load, instead, multiple players are creating, finishing, and keeping defenses guessing.

Defense & Efficiency: Quietly Strong

While the offensive fireworks grab headlines, the defense has been quietly effective:

  • Allowing 114.0 PPG on 47% opponent FG and 30.1% opponent 3P

  • +8.7 Net Rating, fueled by strong rebounding (46.8 RPG) and steady turnover creation

  • Improved rotations and help defense have turned last season’s weaknesses into early strengths

This defensive steadiness is what’s allowing the Bulls to survive momentum swings, and it’s why they’ve held strong in crunch time.

Key Players Driving the Surge

Josh Giddey has been the clear catalyst, and maybe even an early All-Star candidate.

  • 32 points vs. the Knicks

  • Season averages: 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 7.8 APG, shooting 47.9% FG / 47.4% 3P

  • He’s setting the tone for pace, vision, and team chemistry.

Nikola Vučević continues to be Chicago’s steady interior anchor:

  • 19.8 PPG on 58.5% FG, 12 RPG, and elite defensive rebounding.

Supporting pieces like Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones, and Patrick Williams have all bought into a balanced, unselfish style, keeping Chicago’s offense flowing even through early injuries.

Depth & Injury Notes

The Bulls are navigating some early bumps, including missing the following players last night in their rematch against the Knicks:

  • Coby White (calf), Zach Collins (wrist), Julian Phillips (back), Ayo Dosunmu (quad/illness)
    While the depth has held up so far, the Knicks and future opponents will be watching closely for chances to exploit weakened rotations.

Big Picture: Why the Bulls Look Real

  • Elite Offense: 122.8 PPG and near-historic shooting splits

  • Team Cohesion: Giddey’s leadership and personality have transformed the locker room

  • Sustainable System: Balanced scoring, assist-heavy offense, and improved defensive schemes

  • Playoff Potential: Even if shooting regresses, their chemistry and pace-and-space identity are built to last

Tonight’s Rematch: Bulls vs. Knicks

As Chicago looks to stay undefeated, the Knicks have a revenge opportunity. Expect adjustments aimed at exploiting the Bulls’ depth, but also expect another spirited, high-scoring battle.

Win or lose, one thing’s clear: the 2025–26 Chicago Bulls have re-ignited excitement and identity in a franchise that’s been searching for both.

Listen to the Full Breakdown

This article is based on a segment from the latest episode of Harrison Talks Pod where we dig into Chicago’s hot start, Josh Giddey’s breakout, and early-season trends across the NBA.


Presented by Sidepanel Network

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