The Bulls bench has proven to be a secret weapon early in 2025-26

After a slow start, Chicago Bulls found themselves in conflict with the Atlanta Hawks. fortunately, Josh GiddeiWHO was listed as interrogative was in the starting rotation due to a finger injury and finished with a double-double (18 points, 13 rebounds). In addition, Matas Bouzelis scored 16 points and five rebounds in the second half.

Nikola Vucevic had another double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds. Plus, Isaac Okoro and The Three Joneses they were in the starting rotation and scored 10 and 14 points respectively.

The result: The Bulls won 128-123 to start the season 3-0. They came back from 13 points down and won dramatically. In the process, the Bulls are 3-0 for the first time since 2021.

However, while the starters stepped up their game in the second half, the bench was their stronghold throughout. Overall, the bench outscored the Hawks 53-46. The core of their second unit was Aio Dosunmu, Patrick Williamsand Kevin Huerter.

In the end, Huerter finished the game with 15 points on 6/8 shooting from the field. Huerter was originally acquired by the Bulls from the Sacramento Kings as a part Zach LaVine trade. Meanwhile, Dosunmu was shut out as he was 7/10 (70%) from the field and led all scorers with 21 points. In addition, Williams was solid with 12 points and three rebounds.

It’s good that the bench contributed, especially considering the Bulls shot a poor 16/43 (37.2%) from the three-point line and got off to a rather lethargic start. Plus, the Bulls’ bench for the second game in a row reinforced in a big way, according to Reuters. Last Saturday, the Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic on the road 110-98. The bench was a significant factor, as they outscored Orlando 58-35.

They were far from outscored by the Detroit Pistons 50-35 in the season opener on Oct. 22.

The Chicago Bulls bench cannot be overlooked or underestimated.

When looking at the second unit as a whole, the Bulls have plenty of possessions. They have the depth and versatility to make the starting unit feel secure. For example, Dosunmu serves as a veteran catalyst on a bench composed mostly of young players. He averaged 12.3 points per game last season before his season ended due to shoulder surgery.

So far, he is averaging 14.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. In addition, he can go from starter to reserve.

As for Huerter, he comes off the bench to shoot the ball, especially from three-point range. After joining the Bulls, he averaged 13.2 points per game and shot 37.6% from beyond the arc. So far, Huerter is averaging 13.0 points per game and 20% from the three-point line, but those numbers will likely increase over time.

Then there’s Williams, the trifecta of rebounding, scoring and defense. He averaged 9.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last year. So far, Williams is averaging 8.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He is comes from an ankle injury held during the training camp.

In addition, Jones and Okoro will come off the bench from time to time, depending on the situation. Jones is a brave playmaker and a brave defender. The latter was a big reason why the Bulls got him in the LaVine trade. He was recently signed by Chicago for a a three-year, $30 million contract.

The same rules applied to Okoro, another defensive threat Bulls acquired after the Lonzo Ball trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, to round it all out, there’s Jalen Smith, JaVon Carter, Julian Phillips, Zach Collins and Delan Terry, who possess a combination of athleticism, versatility and youthful energy.

To sum it up, the Bulls got some exceptional pieces in place coming off the bench. If they keep this momentum going, we might be in for quite a surprise.