Chicago’s 2025-26 season kicked off dramatically. Chicago led most of the way while hosting the Detroit Pistons in the United Center. This includes a 15-point lead at half, as big as a 23-point lead late in the second half, and starting the fourth quarter with a 15-point advantage. As the fourth quarter progressed, Detroit clawed its way back into it, tying the game with two minutes to go. They traded back-and-forth buckets down the stretch, and a crucial coach’s challenge with 13.8 seconds left granted Josh Giddey two free throws to push Chicago’s lead to three. Detroit could not convert on two three-point attempts, and Chicago buried a free-throw to clinch the four-point victory. Here are the biggest takeaways from their first victory of the season.
Nikola Vucevic Wins Games For The Chicago Bulls
Like any other, this media outlet has been critical of Chicago’s decision-making regarding retaining Nikola Vucevic as long as they have. His defense is lackluster, especially in the paint; his three-point shooting is sporadic, and his value on the trade market in previous seasons has been high enough to encourage trading away for a younger asset. While he’s with the Bulls, he is a massive reason they win games. He’s averaged a double-double all five seasons with the team, he’s been a top scoring option his entire tenure, and his ability to stretch the floor gives his teammates the freedom to attack the rim without a looming center protecting the paint. In their first game, he made his presence known once again.
Nikola Vucevic in tonight's season-opener win:
28 PTS
14 REB
11/18 FG
4/6 3FG
What a start for the vet 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IurVa33X0a
— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) October 23, 2025
If this ship goes south before the trade deadline, his undeniable production will again make him one of the most coveted aging assets for contending rosters. Is this the year Chicago decides to sell high on their expiring contract, aging center?
Buzelis Has Fully Arrived
Matas Buzelis is here to stay. His lofty goal of winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player honor may be within reach. Although it’s only been one game, his impact on the game is undeniable, and his offensive aggression and skill set constantly threaten the opposition. Defensively, he’s leaning on instincts, flying across the floor for denials, and can defend any position. Head coach Billy Donovan also noted postgame that he “lives for the moment, and leans into it,” further emphasizing the confidence and fearlessness of the 21-year-old sophomore.
MATAS BUZELIS POSTER ON ISAIAH STEWART😱🚀 pic.twitter.com/IsiZO59D0i
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) October 23, 2025
Tonight, he led the team in minutes and blocks and was second in free throws. His development and continued trust from Donovan will help him become the franchise’s next star.
Defense Was Clearly Better
As highlighted by Arturas Karnisovas earlier today, detailed in his interview this afternoon, defense was one of the most important focuses this offseason. With one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, Chicago should be able to provide relentless energy and athleticism on that end of the floor. They were at the bottom of the ranks a season ago regarding points allowed, but this year has started with a new standard. They only gave up 49 points in the first half, and while the Pistons ended with 111, that would have landed in the top ten leaguewide in the 2024-25 campaign. Adding Isaac Okoro, regaining Ayo Dosunmu from injury, and unlocking Buzelis’s defensive prowess were the most noticeable differences in this game.
Bulls stand up Pistons after two go-ahead looks. Cade fouls out. Giddey sinks another FT to give Chicago four-point cushion and a season-opening win at home.
Took staving off an explosive fourth from Detroit, but Bulls were asked to win in the end with defense…and did it
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) October 23, 2025
Chicago held Detroit’s leading scorer from a year ago, Cade Cunningham, to 8-of-24 from the field and the entire team to just 29.3% shooting from downtown. Containing the opposition’s star guard will be the most significant difference from last year, and the main reason Okoro was added this offseason. His first assignment was passed with flying colors.
Vucevic’s continued leadership, Giddey and Buzelis coming out of their shells, and the drastically improved defense might push Chicago to win more games than expected this season. With a 1-0 start against a playoff team from last year, how far can this group go?