What’s Fueling the Bulls’ Midseason Resurgence? A Closer Look at Chicago’s Recent Turnaround
Just a few weeks ago, the Chicago Bulls were teetering. A seven-game losing streak had fans frustrated, and the team looked like it was slipping into another season of missed expectations. But then came a much-needed win in Charlotte, followed by a statement series against the Cleveland Cavaliers-and suddenly, the Bulls are back in the mix.
What’s changed? It’s not just about wins.
It’s about how they’re winning. Billy Donovan’s squad didn’t panic during the slump.
Instead, they regrouped, refocused, and recommitted to the identity Donovan’s been trying to instill since he arrived in Chicago.
After Sunday’s wild 152-150 win over the Atlanta Hawks-a game that had more fireworks than a Fourth of July finale-it’s clear this isn’t just a temporary spark. There’s real substance underneath the Bulls’ recent surge. Let’s break down what’s driving the turnaround.
1. Smarter, Sharper Three-Point Shooting
Donovan’s message during the losing streak was consistent: it’s not about jacking up threes, it’s about taking the right ones. He emphasized quality over quantity-creating open looks, not just settling for contested bombs. And while the Bulls’ shooting numbers weren’t pretty in every game (they shot just 26.5% from deep in a win over Cleveland on Dec. 13), the types of shots they were getting told a different story.
Against the Cavaliers, they launched 49 threes-not a small number-but many were clean looks. Two days later in the rematch, they buried 18 threes to Cleveland’s 14, showing not just volume but improved efficiency. Then came the explosion against the Hawks: 20 made threes, a season-high, with rookie Matas Buzelis catching fire and hitting seven of them himself.
The numbers back up the shift in approach. Only 13% of the Bulls’ shots have been pull-up jumpers lately.
Instead, they’re leaning into catch-and-shoot threes (37.6%) and shots inside 10 feet (48.5%). That’s a healthy shot diet-and it’s translating to wins.
2. The Return of the Two-Big Lineup
In an era where small-ball often dominates, Billy Donovan is dusting off an old-school strategy-and it’s working. Chicago has leaned into a two-big rotation, reminiscent of Donovan’s Florida days with Joakim Noah and Al Horford.
The shift wasn’t just philosophical-it was necessary. The Bulls were getting torched inside, struggling with rim protection and interior defense.
Enter the duo of Zach Collins and Jalen Smith off the bench. Together, they’ve brought a physical presence that’s helped stabilize the paint. They’re not stretching the floor much, but they’re anchoring the defense and communicating well, especially when opponents try to attack the rim.
Nikola Vucevic deserves credit here, too. The veteran big man has taken a step back in minutes to allow the two-big look to flourish. That kind of selfless adjustment speaks volumes about the team-first mentality Donovan’s been preaching.
The Bulls still rank 25th in defensive rating, so there’s plenty of work left. But the two-big lineup is giving them a new tool to address one of their biggest weaknesses. Whether they go small with more ball handlers or lean into size, at least now they have options-and they’re actively exploring them.
3. Buzelis Breaks Out, and the Bench Brings the Heat
Team success always comes from the collective, but you need individuals to step up-and Matas Buzelis has done just that. The rookie has found his rhythm during this recent stretch, averaging 20.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game.
He’s attacking the rim with confidence and knocking down threes at a blistering 43.8% clip during the win streak. His 7-of-8 performance from deep against Atlanta was a coming-out party.
But he’s not doing it alone. Josh Giddey continues to be a steady force, piling up double-doubles and setting the tone with his playmaking.
Coby White’s presence in the frontcourt has opened up space for others, and Vucevic is still capable of powering through defenders when needed. Isaac Okoro’s return to health has also added a spark, giving the Bulls another reliable scoring option.
Then there’s the bench. During this 3-0 stretch, Chicago’s second unit has been lethal, averaging 50.0 points per game.
That’s not just depth-that’s dominance. The Bulls currently lead the league in bench scoring at 44.5 points per game, and it’s a big reason they’ve been able to weather injuries and keep the pressure on opponents.
The Road Ahead
Beating the Cavaliers twice-especially a team that won 64 games last year and remains a top-tier contender in the East-was no small feat. But the Bulls know the job isn’t done. This recent stretch has given them a blueprint: defend the paint with size, share the scoring load, and take smart, high-quality shots.
Momentum is a fragile thing in the NBA. One cold shooting night or defensive lapse can send a team spiraling.
But right now, the Bulls are showing signs of a team that’s not just hot-they’re evolving. They’ve embraced Donovan’s vision, and more importantly, they’re executing it.
If they can keep this up, the Bulls might just turn what looked like another lost season into something worth watching deep into the spring.