The Chicago Bulls improved to 6–1 after edging the Eastern Conference’s second-best team, the Philadelphia 76ers, 113–111. Behind several statement wins to open the year, the Bulls now hold the NBA’s second-best record in what’s shaping up to be one of the league’s early surprises.
Chicago’s two-point win over Philadelphia didn’t come easy. The Bulls fell behind by as many as 24, giving up 45 points in a brutal first quarter where Tyrese Maxey couldn’t miss. Trailing by 19 at halftime, a comeback felt like a long shot.
Yet the Bulls didn’t back down. Chicago tightened up defensively, attacked the basket with purpose, and leaned on one player to ignite the comeback—Josh Giddey. Yes, the same Josh Giddey many questioned trading Alex Caruso for or signing to a $100 million deal. Still, acquiring and keeping Giddey has proven crucial, as the Aussie has taken a leap few thought possible.
Josh Giddey is the engine behind Chicago’s hot start
Giddey isn’t just a savvy passer anymore. He’s become a true three-level scorer, attacking the rim with confidence, pulling up in the close/mid-range, and spacing the floor with a reliable three-point shot. His offensive growth has completely changed how defenses have to play him.
The 23-year-old poured in 29 points against Philadelphia and has now scored at least 23 in three straight games, all while shooting better than 50 percent from the field. Against the Sixers, Giddey finished 10-of-19 from the floor, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-8 at the line.
Beyond his scoring, Giddey’s ability to collapse Philadelphia’s defense was the key to Chicago’s victory. The 6-foot-8 guard logged 24 drives against the 76ers—13 more than any other Bulls. On those possessions, he generated 15 points and four assists, including the game-winning dime: a sleek wraparound pass to Nikola Vučević after forcing Joel Embiid to rotate as the help defender.
Giddey hasn’t just become Chicago’s leading scorer; he’s evolved into a complete offensive hub, capable of commanding tight games. The Bulls leaned on him heavily down the stretch, and he delivered. When Chicago needs a bucket, Billy Donovan now turns to his Aussie floor general.
When Giddey signed his four-year, $100 million contract in the offseason, the main criticism was that he was more of a complementary piece than someone capable of leading an offense. His scoring and all-around play surged late last season, but the concern was that the sample size was too small. Inconsistency as a shooter and a lack of assertiveness as a primary creator had limited his impact in the past.
Seven games into the 2025–26 season, Giddey has shown that the small-sample doubts were overblown—he’s even exceeded the numbers he posted after last season’s All-Star break. He’s now the best player on the Eastern Conference’s top team, a surprising revelation for Bulls fans and the NBA alike.