The Chicago Bulls have been struggling to begin the 2026-27 NBA season. The Bulls have quite the challenge ahead of them if they want to turn things around.
That became even more difficult with rookie Caleb Wilson fracturing his right hand.
The Bulls will have to adjust if they want to start winning more games. Their victory over the Atlanta Hawks may have provided the blueprint for how Chicago can win without their rookie.
Norman Powell to step up and lead
There is a reason the Bulls acquired Norman Powell in the offseason. He adds a good vet presence to the team. His experience can be crucial, even more so with Chicago struggling and without Wilson.
The Bulls need someone to step up on the offensive end; a player who can be counted on, especially when the offense struggles.
Powell was key against the Atlanta Hawks with his 33 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the field and 4-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc.
He scored nine of Chicago's 15 points in overtime.
DeMar DeRozan was crucial during his time with the Bulls. He could be counted on offensively and stepped up late in games.
Powell needs to be that player for the Chicago Bulls.
Defense, defense, defense
The Chicago Bulls held the Hawks to just 24 points in the first quarter, while Chicago's offense got off to a hot start. The Bulls scored 33 points in the first frame.
This game proved how valuable defense is to this team, especially with how the remainder of the game played out.
The Hawks ended up cutting that deficit and getting back in the game.
When Chicago establishes a lead, they cannot afford to lose it, especially against tougher competition. The Hawks are a talented team, and the Bulls ended up walking away with a win. But they cannot count on a victory like this again when they give up an early lead.
The Hawks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 20.0 percent from deep. But Chicago let Atlanta get 66 points in the paint. Those looks were key for Atlanta remaining in the game.
If Chicago wants to win games, the Bulls have to slow teams down, adjust to the areas they succeed at and maintain leads.
What the Bulls will need from the offense
The Bulls knocked down the 3-ball well against Atlanta (40.0 percent). If the Bulls can remain successful from beyond the arc, that will be important.
However, the Bulls cannot resort to only taking 3-pointers. Paint looks and drives to the rim have to be a priority, even when knocking down their 3-pointers.
When Chicago struggles, they must adjust and focus on attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line.
Turnovers are important, too. While Atlanta had 17 turnovers (which Chicago scored 20 points off of), the Bulls turned the ball over 25 times. This allowed the Hawks to score 34 points.
The Bulls have to be careful with the basketball and avoid losing an opportunity to score while giving the team a basket off of it.
Playmaking and ball movement will also be important. Chicago needs to maintain that momentum from against the Hawks. The Bulls finished with 34 assists.
This is what Chicago can do to win more games. It is just a question of how successful they can be at this.
Add us as a preferred source on Google