In their preseason opener on Tuesday, the Chicago Bulls managed to secure a narrow victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing with a score of 116-112 after overcoming a double-digit deficit in the first quarter.
While the final score is not the main focus of any preseason game, this outing revealed some consistent elements — such as Coby White leading the team with 21 points and three assists — along with early indicators of potential issues within a somewhat imbalanced Bulls roster.
Here are six insights gained from this win.
1. Zach LaVine appears to be finding his rhythm again.
Zach LaVine was included in the Bulls’ starting lineup on Tuesday, marking his return from a season-ending foot injury after participating in just 25 games last year.
LaVine’s previous season was characterized by discomfort during games, which hindered his elevation and contributed to a shooting percentage that approached career lows. However, on Tuesday, he seemed to regain his usual comfort level as he navigated the court.
While there were still signs of rust — LaVine shot 3-for-8 from the field and 1-for-4 from three-point range — his performance over an 18-minute stint suggested that he is fully healed and prepared to reclaim his role in the Bulls’ starting roster.
2. Josh Giddey makes his Bulls (preseason) debut.
After being limited during the first week of training camp, Josh Giddey took to the court for the first time in a Bulls jersey on Tuesday, joining the anticipated starting lineup for the regular season alongside LaVine, White, Nikola Vučević, and Patrick Williams.
Giddey played just under 22 minutes, a cautious workload anticipated after his recent recovery from a ruptured anterior talofibular ligament sustained during the Paris Olympics. Despite struggling with his shot — finishing 0-for-3 from three-point range, including an air ball — he demonstrated his playmaking ability with three assists while contributing with seven rebounds.
Williams also saw limited playing time as he returns from a bone edema that sidelined him at the end of last season. He recorded four points, three rebounds, and three turnovers in 13 minutes on the court.
3. Lonzo Ball’s return is not yet imminent.
Lonzo Ball traveled with the team to Cleveland and participated in warmups, yet he did not play in the preseason opener. Coach Billy Donovan informed reporters prior to the game that Ball would see action in the preseason, but the team chose to hold him out on Tuesday.
Ball is endeavoring to return from a knee injury that has kept him out for two complete seasons, during which he underwent three surgeries. Should he return to a top-level league following a knee cartilage transplant, he would be the first professional athlete in the United States to do so. The additional meniscus transplant complicates his recovery, emphasizing its uniqueness.
Ball will have four more chances to make his preseason debut, starting with Saturday’s home game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
4. Defensive worries continue to escalate.
During a preseason matchup on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley took a shot while being defended by Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis and center Nikola Vucevic. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Assessing any team aspect — shooting accuracy, defensive intensity, or turnover rates — based on just one preseason game is unwise. Nonetheless, it is difficult to feel optimistic about the defense following Tuesday night’s performance.
Vučević appeared particularly clumsy on defense, often overcommitting at the perimeter, which allowed easy driving lanes to the basket. White showed ongoing progress in his defensive play, yet Giddey and LaVine still lagged in their rotations.
The Bulls are opting to emphasize offense within their starting lineup, planning to utilize their top perimeter defender, Ayo Dosunmu, as a bench player. However, it remains uncertain how long the team can sustain slow defensive starts that are likely to accompany this rotational strategy.
Hit or miss (leaning on the miss) from beyond the arc.
If any aspect of the Bulls’ offense highlighted their transitional phase, it was their shooting from long range.
Boosting their three-point shooting volume is evidently a priority for the Bulls this season. Last year, they averaged only 32.1 attempts per game, ranking as the fifth-lowest in the league, and the previous season, they recorded the lowest volume of three-point shots in the NBA.
This season, players such as Dosunmu and Jalen Smith are anticipated to raise that volume, and the Bulls made strides on Tuesday, finishing with 40 attempts from beyond the arc. Notably, they took 23 attempts in the first half, which involved starters and key rotation players.
However, the flip side was the effectiveness of those attempts. The Bulls converted only eight of their three-point shots, resulting in a 20% success rate. While this
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell during a preseason matchup on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Rookie Matas Buzelis is actively competing for a spot in the Bulls’ regular rotation. On Tuesday, he demonstrated his ability to make an impact on both sides of the court—an impressive feat for an NBA newcomer. He displayed remarkable confidence while pursuing a highlight-reel one-handed dunk in the second half, successfully executing it in the fourth quarter with an uncontested finish on a fast break.
Most notably, Buzelis emerged as one of the top perimeter defenders on this Bulls team, a testament to his relentless effort as well as the overall inexperience of the roster’s defenders. He closely guarded Donovan Mitchell during several isolation plays and managed to block a shot from Darius Garland in the first half.
In just 21 minutes of play, Buzelis registered 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
Chicago Bulls Survive Preseason Opener Against Cavaliers: Key Takeaways and Early Concerns
Game Recap: Bulls vs. Cavaliers
The Chicago Bulls faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their preseason opener, showcasing a mix of promise and concern. The game, held at the United Center, ended with a narrow victory for the Bulls, giving them a much-needed confidence boost as they gear up for the regular season.
Final Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 102 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 99 |
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Defensive Cohesion: The Bulls demonstrated improved defensive strategies, effectively limiting the Cavaliers’ shooting opportunities. This aspect will be crucial as they aim for a stronger defensive season compared to last year.
- Offensive Struggles: Despite their win, the Bulls’ offense looked disjointed at times. Key players, including Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, struggled with their shooting percentages, raising concerns about the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities.
- Rookie Impact: The debut of rookie forward, who contributed significant energy off the bench, was a highlight. His performance provided a glimpse of the depth the Bulls are aiming to establish.
- Injury Updates: The status of several players remains uncertain as the team navigates preseason injuries. Fans are closely monitoring updates on these key contributors.
Player Performances
Individual performances often shine in preseason games, and this matchup was no different.
Standout Players
- Zach LaVine: While LaVine managed to score 20 points, his efficiency was a concern, shooting only 38% from the field. His ability to find rhythm will be essential as the season progresses.
- DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan contributed with 15 points but seemed slightly off. His experience will be vital as the Bulls look to establish a reliable scoring option.
- Rookie Forward: The rookie had an impressive outing with 12 points and 5 rebounds, showcasing the potential the Bulls have in their draft pick.
Early Concerns for the Bulls
As the Bulls look to solidify their roster ahead of the regular season, several areas need addressing:
Offensive Chemistry
The Chicago Bulls need to develop better offensive chemistry. The preseason serves as a platform for players to integrate their styles and find a rhythm. Their ability to work together will dictate their success in the upcoming season.
Injury Management
Injuries can derail a team’s momentum, and the Bulls are no exception. Keeping key players healthy will be crucial. The coaching staff must find a balance between giving players necessary rest and ensuring they receive adequate game time to build chemistry.
Defensive Consistency
While the Bulls showed flashes of strong defense, consistency is critical. They must maintain pressure throughout the game to ensure they can compete against more potent offenses in the league.
Benefits of a Strong Preseason Performance
- Building Confidence: Winning tight games builds confidence among players, boosting morale heading into the regular season.
- Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Preseason games allow coaching staff to assess player performance and make necessary adjustments before the season starts.
- Experimenting with Lineups: Coaches can utilize preseason games to experiment with different lineups and strategies, which can provide insights into optimal team dynamics.
Practical Tips for Bulls Fans
- Stay Updated: Follow the Bulls’ official channels for real-time updates on player injuries and game performances.
- Watch Preseason Games: Engaging with the team during the preseason will help fans understand player dynamics and strategies that could affect the regular season.
- Engage with Community: Joining fan forums or social media groups can enhance the experience by sharing insights and opinions about the team’s progress.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the Chicago Bulls have shown they can survive tough matches like their preseason opener against the Cavaliers. As they continue to refine their gameplay, fans will be eager to see how these early takeaways translate into performance when the regular season kicks off.
