Bulls drop back-to-back home games despite strong shooting efforts

Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter fielded a revamped starting lineup Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that produced a season-best shooting performance but ended in a 127-121 loss at the United Center. The Bulls shot 52.3 percent from the field, making 46 of their 88 attempts, yet they could not overcome the star power of a roster that included LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe.

Splitter replaced injured Norman Powell with Isaac Okoro at the wing, alongside Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, and rookie Caleb Wilson. Wilson contributed 18 points in the loss. The coaching staff sought to distribute the ball more evenly, a strategy that resulted in Chicago’s bench outscoring Philadelphia’s reserves, 36-18. Noa Essengue led the bench with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Jordan Hawkins posted a season-high nine points.

Giddey delivered one of his standout performances of the season, recording 19 points and 15 assists. The 15 assists marked his sixth game with at least 15 dimes this season, a figure that ties him for fourth-most in franchise history according to team notes from November 11. The game remained tight until the final minutes, with nine lead changes and four ties occurring throughout the contest. Philadelphia closed out the fourth quarter after building a decisive advantage earlier in the game.

The 76ers extended their lead during a 20-8 run in the second quarter, turning a two-point deficit into an eight-point cushion by the 3:56 mark. Chicago clawed back to within two points at the 3:00 mark of the fourth quarter, but the momentum did not hold. Jaylen Brown finished with a game-high 29 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes for Philadelphia.

Chicago had already suffered a setback earlier in the week. On Wednesday, November 11, the Bulls lost 124-119 to the San Antonio Spurs. That contest featured a dramatic swing, as the Bulls held a 70-56 lead at halftime after scoring 41 points in the opening quarter. San Antonio erased that advantage with an 18-3 run to start the third quarter, eventually securing their 10th win of the season.

Victor Wembanyama anchored the Spurs’ comeback with 32 points, nine rebounds, and five blocked shots. Dylan Harper added 18 points and 10 assists, while De’Aaron Fox contributed 17 points and nine assists. For Chicago, Jalen Smith led the scoring with 23 points, tying his career high. Nic Claxton added 17 points off the bench, and Wilson scored 15 before leaving in the third quarter with a right hand injury.

The two losses dropped the Bulls to 1-9 on the season, extending their losing streak to eight games. Splitter noted the need for better decision-making against elite rim protectors, specifically citing Wembanyama’s defensive presence. The team’s inability to convert early leads into wins in both matchups leaves them searching for consistency in their home schedule.

The Bulls’ bench production against Philadelphia stood in sharp contrast to the struggles they faced against San Antonio, where self-inflicted turnovers in the second half allowed the Spurs to take control. With Wilson now dealing with a hand injury, the rotation questions for Chicago’s upcoming games remain open.