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Bulls Week 1-2 Recap: A Tale of Two
The Chicago Bulls kicked
off their NSL season with a rollercoaster ride through the first two weeks,
showing flashes of dominance in Week 1 before stumbling in Week 2. Here’s a
breakdown of the early highs and lows, and what lies ahead for the team.
Week 1: Offensive Firepower
The Bulls stormed out of the gates with a 3-1 record in
Week 1, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. A rare feat was
achieved as four players averaged 18+ points per game:
- LaMelo Ball (23 PPG,
5 RPG, 6 APG)
- Collin Sexton (18.3 PPG
.580 FG% .500 3PT%)
- Jalen Suggs (19.8
PPG, .530 FG%, .540 3PT%)
- Pascal Siakam (20 PPG,
9 RPG, 4 APG).
The offense clicked beautifully, and the balance between
the stars was on full display. With Nic Claxton anchoring the defense (13
PPG, 11 RPG, 1 BPG), the Bulls looked every bit the contender they aspire to
be.
Week 2: A Reality Check
Week 2 was a stark contrast as the Bulls stumbled to a 1-3
record. Two losses came against teams they were favored to beat, exposing
lingering concerns about depth and consistency. The absence of Nic
Claxton, who missed all four games due to injury, left a significant hole
in the defense.
Stepping into the void was Goga Bitadze, who
delivered a solid performance in Claxton’s stead, averaging 9 PPG, 12 RPG, and
1 BPG. Despite his effort, the defense lacked its usual edge, and the offense
faltered as Collin Sexton disappeared in the final two games,
averaging just 4 points per game. Without Sexton’s spark, the second unit,
renowned for its defensive chops, struggled to provide enough scoring punch.
Player Highlights: The
Good and the Improving
- LaMelo Ball: Averaging 25/5/5 is no small feat, but middling efficiency leaves room for growth. The Bulls are banking on Ball’s continued health, a bright spot given his injury history. If he can find another gear, the team’s ceiling rises dramatically.
- Jalen Suggs: The breakout performer through eight games, Suggs has impressed with his 50/47/82 shooting splits and poise. His contributions as a secondary creator alongside Ball have been invaluable.
- The Center
Rotation: With Claxton set to return in Week 3, the duo of Claxton and
Bitadze offers 48 minutes of elite rim protection and rebounding. If both
stay healthy, the Bulls’ interior defense will remain a formidable
backbone.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks in Week 2, the Bulls remain optimistic
about the season. General Manager Jonathan expressed confidence in the team’s
direction:
“Week 2 was disappointing, but it’s a long season. We’re
still figuring out rotations, but the core of what we do—hard-nosed defense and
efficient offense through LaMelo, Suggs, and Siakam—remains our focus. The
goal is clear: secure home court in the playoffs, and we believe this
group is built to do just that.”
With Claxton’s return and rotations beginning to take shape, the Bulls aim to bounce back in Week 3 and reassert themselves as one of the league’s top teams.
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