The Chicago Bulls Fall To The Denver Nuggets: 136-120

The New-Look Chicago Bulls took the floor for the first time in the United Center on Saturday night. The Madhouse was rockin’ — but ultimately it was the Denver Nuggets who prevailed. Get the On Tap recap below:

FEBRUARY 7th — The Chicago Bulls fall to the Denver Nuggets, 136-120.

New Kids On The Block

The new-look Chicago Bulls took the floor for the first time in the United Center on Saturday night.
They (surprisingly) went “step-for-step” with Denver en route to three exciting quarters of basketball. Players like Nick Richards, Rob Dillingham, and Collin Sexton all made their debuts. They immediately infused the team with the energy and tenacity that Chicago is known for—and has been craving. Moving the ball around, battling inside for rebounds, diving on the floor for loose balls — you name it. 

The new Bulls got out there — and got after it. Although Denver ultimately won the game, Chicago gave its fans something to be proud of inside the Madhouse on Madison on Saturday night.

“Step By Step”

To the surprise of many, the Bulls stormed out and gave Denver a real run for their money. Collin Sexton, the “Young Bull,” instantly made an impact. He established himself as a vocal leader and walked right into the role as the team’s floor general, with Josh Giddey being out. Although he finished the quarter with just two assists, Sexton’s infectious energy set the tone for the entire squad. When Denver jumped out to a 13-6 lead, the Bulls responded with a 12-8 run to pull within three. The Nuggets countered with an 8-0 burst, but the Bulls fought right back with a 12-4 run of their own—thanks in large part to Sexton and Matas Buzelis.
‘The New Kids On The Block’ of Chicago concluded the first quarter, only trailing by three.

“Hangin’ Tough”

Story continues below.

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After hanging tough in the first quarter, the Bulls came out and outscored the Nuggets 29-20 in the second. Once again, the Bulls’ newcomers brought a spark the team has been missing. During an 8-2 run, Nick Richards nabbed a steal playing full-court defense—then powered down the court for a dunk—a rare sight for a Bulls center. Rob Dillingham knocked down his first points as a Bull, draining a three from the top of the key in the same stretch. It was just very refreshing to see players making simple, efficient basketball plays. Anfernee Simons led Bulls scorers in the quarter with nine points, while Jaden Ivey contributed five of his own during another 8-0 run. The Bulls closed the first half with a six-point lead: 65-59.

The Bulls came out intent on showing everyone that the first two quarters of play were no fluke.
Jaden Ivey nailed a smooth mid-range pull-up, then Matas Buzelis followed with a three-pointer, before Ivey answered with a three of his own. “That ball is moving around the horn quick, not sticking in anyone’s hands,” color commentator Stacey King observed. His words proved prophetic, as ball movement became the defining theme of Chicago’s third quarter.

Whether it was Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards, Anfernee Simons, or Rob Dillingham — the new Bulls of Chicago played with an INSATIABLE energy on Saturday. Everything about the offense looked revamped. The players didn’t look as stiff and were refreshingly unpredictable. Although chaotic at times, the team’s playstyle looked much more free-flowing out there. Jaden Ivey flashed his two-way potential. Isaac Okoro looked A LOT more aggressive on offense and seemed to do much better with other capable defenders around him. Patrick Williams (!) showed up. Fans were shocked at the multiple alley-oops thrown out of the halfcourt for Chicago, especially heading in our center’s direction. The defense in the post was far from perfect, but it was nice to see deterrence down there, at the very least. It will be very interesting to see how this team looks once they get their engine, Josh Giddey, back in action.