Bulls 124, Suns 117: Chicago's starters spark a comeback in the preseason opener
Phoenix led by as many as 15 in a physical first half, but Chicago won the third and fourth quarters and finished 28-of-32 at the line.
The Chicago Bulls beat the Phoenix Suns 124-117 at the United Center in their preseason opener, rallying from a 15-point deficit and outscoring Phoenix in the second half. The game was played on the evening of Wednesday, October 7 in Chicago.
Preseason results carry no weight in the standings, and rotations are experimental, but the shape of this one says something about both teams.
Phoenix starts fast
The Suns took control early. Sofascore reports Phoenix hit 7 of 12 threes in the first quarter and led 40-29 after one, with QNC News noting a second-unit run that turned a 24-24 tie into the 11-point lead. Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 24 points for Phoenix.
Chicago answers
The Bulls' starting group of Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Jalen Smith led a second-quarter comeback, per QNC News. Chicago outscored Phoenix 31-26 in the third to lead 93-90 entering the fourth, and won the final period 31-27, according to Sofascore and TalkBasket. TalkBasket adds that Leonard Miller hit the game's last basket with 0.7 seconds left.
Wilson, the No. 4 pick in the draft, scored 15 points in his first game against an NBA opponent, per Sports Illustrated and Sofascore. Tobe Awaka had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Smith added 13 points and eight rebounds. Sports Illustrated notes Smith's eight boards and the Bulls' 12 offensive rebounds led to 11 second-chance points.
Where the margin came from
The Bulls made 28 of 32 free throws, per both Sports Illustrated and Sofascore. Sofascore's box score shows Phoenix shot 26 of 34 from the line, and had 26 turnovers to Chicago's 21. The same source has Phoenix going 0-for-11 from three in the second quarter, and Devin Booker finished 0 of 8 from deep, a figure QNC News and Sofascore both report.
Phoenix lost Miles Bridges to a right ankle injury early in the second quarter, according to QNC News; he did not return. Neither team's coaches were quoted in the coverage reviewed, and no update on Bridges was available.
What it means
Chicago leaves the preseason opener 1-0 with a young starting group that held up under physical play. Phoenix, now 0-2 in the preseason per TalkBasket, showed plenty of shot-making early but could not sustain it. It is one exhibition, and the real tests come later.