The Chicago Bulls' 2024-25 home opener at the United Center offered a buffet of connections, coincidences, and competition. New Bulls guard Josh Giddey enjoyed a reunion of sorts with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammates of three seasons. Conversely, former Bulls guard Alex Caruso was fondly received by his now-former Bulls teammates during Saturday's pregame warmups.
Good Vibes and Fond Memories
Unsurprisingly, Caruso received a jumbotron video tribute early in the first quarter during a Bulls timeout challenge. Caruso later checked into the game for the first time at the 3:44 mark to raucous applause from the United Center crowd.
Cold Shooting and Copious Turnovers
Both teams started the game with frigid all-around shooting as the Thunder shot 41% (22/54) from the field while the Bulls lowered the ante by shooting 29% (12/41) from the field in the first half.
The Thunder shot 42.1% against the Bulls' 34.8% for the game. Equally problematic for the Bulls, they committed 26 turnovers that resulted in 21 Thunder points and a 114-95 victory for the visitors.
Bulls Vets Showcase Their Trade Value
If there's any Bulls' optimism to be found in this game, it likely starts with Zach LaVine's showing and ends with Nikola Vucevic's resurgent performance. Logically, both players should be trade candidates on the outside of Arturas Karnisovas's phased approach to turning over his roster to younger players.
LaVine led the Bulls with 22 points and carried the scoring load from the three-point line (4/9 - 44.4%) and the charity stripe (6/7 - 85.7% on free throws) lines. Vucevic was respectable and efficient in his box-score contributions, logging 18 points on 58.3% shooting from the field while snagging 13 rebounds.
What's On Tap Next?
The Bulls hit the road Monday for a clash against the Memphis Grizzlies. It'll be the first regular-season meeting between the teams, who also clashed in a preseason contest that ended in a 124-121 Bulls defeat. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. CT and the game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).
