Why the free throw line could decide the fate of the Bulls in 2025-26

In basketball, free throws do a lot of good. Nobody he knows that better than Wilt Chamberlaindespite being a poor free throw shooter, who went 28-for-32 in his historic 100-point game in 1962. Perhaps the second name that Shaquille O’Neal comes to mind for obvious reasons. Fast forward to today and Chicago Bulls we hope they realize that this is also the case.

On Thursday, the Bulls were pretty decent from the foul line in their final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the first half, they were perfect while going 12-for-12 at the charity stripe, according to the Horns over Hoops podcast. That kept them in contention with the overpowered Timberwolves. Overall, the Bulls finished the game 23-for-30 (76.7%) and won 126-120.

On the other end, the Timberwolves finished 9-for-18 (50%).

As a result, they end the preseason with a 3-2 or 2-3 record. Now the Bulls will start preparing for the regular season. Their first game will be on Wednesday 22.10at the United Center against the Detroit Pistons.

Obviously they are a young team starting from the bottom. For all their offensive potential, the one area they need to improve on is their free throw shooting. Last season, the Bulls finished with 80.9% shooting from the foul line. The leader in that category among the main players was Kobe White with 90.2%. They also finished 29th in the league in free throw attempts per game at 19.7.

In addition, the Bulls finished 15th in the NBA with 21.5 free throw attempts per game. Overall, these numbers helped them to a 39-43 record and once again fall short of the playoffs.

However, this year could be different if they feed off their performance against Wolves.

Fortunately, the Bulls got personnel to deliver on the line.

The good news for the Bulls is that they got some caliber players who aren’t afraid to get to the line. On Thursday, as it is Josh Giddei, The Three JonesesNikola Vucevic, Julian Phillips and Jaylen Smith were practically shut down.

Overall, Giddy went 4/6, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. In addition, Jones was 2-for-4 at the line and had 8 points, five rebounds and four assists. Then there was the veteran Vucevic, who went 2-for-2 in free throws along with a double-double.

Phillips was a perfect 6-for-6 as he finished with 15 points. Then Smith chipped in with 12 points and was also virtually perfect in every way at the foul line at 4-f0r-4. It’s also worth noting that Jones, Vucevic and Smith each shot over 80% from the line last year.

To ensure he is not overlookedleading scorer Matas Bouzelis made one free throw and led the way with 19 points. Although it is out with a calf injuryWhite will not be afraid to get to the cup on the return. He averaged 4.1 free throw attempts per game last season.

After all, there’s a reason free throws are considered the most fundamental of all fundamentals. Can win games and keep the game competitive. If the Bulls can muster the same intense focus they showed to close out the preseason, then it would be a sign that the little things can make a big difference.