Overview: Bulls fall again to Pelicans, 114-104
The Chicago Bulls could not shake off the lingering misfires from their previous meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans, dropping a 114-104 decision in front of a frustrated home crowd. In a game that mirrored their prior matchup, Chicago once again found itself battling a cold shooting spell in the fourth quarter, allowing New Orleans to pull away after a tightly contested first three periods.
Key moments that defined the game
Early in the contest, the Bulls showed flashes of offensive balance, but the rhythm evaporated as the game wore on. The Pelicans leaned on efficient shooting and solid ball movement, building a modest lead that Chicago repeatedly chipped away at. The fourth quarter, however, exposed the Bulls’ fatigue and shooting woes. Missed open looks and contested long-range attempts stalled any late surge, and New Orleans maintained a steady defensive presence that limited Chicago’s transition opportunities.
Vucevic’s night: Cold start, cooler finish
Nikola Vucevic entered the game as a focal point for Chicago, but his individual performance underscored the broader shooting drought. The center posted a modest line and struggled to find reliable rhythm from mid-range and beyond the arc. While he attacked the glass and tried to impose his size on the Pelicans’ frontline, the ball didn’t bounce his way in the crucial moments. Vucevic’s play, coupled with a handful of missed attempts from teammates, contributed to a scoreless stretch that proved costly late in the game.
Offensive struggles and defensive effort
The Bulls’ offense had pockets of organized offense, but sustained consistency was lacking. Turnovers and a lack of finishing at the rim hindered scoring opportunities that should have punctuated a competitive afternoon. Defensively, Chicago battled to limit New Orleans’ efficient perimeter shooting, yet too many Pelicans possessions ended with clean looks that kept the Bulls on their heels. The disparity in shooting efficiency between the two teams in the second half was a revealing sign of where the Bulls must improve to break through against quality opponents.
What it means for CHGO Bulls and the season outlook
For a unit seeking momentum, back-to-back losses to the same opponent are a blunt reminder of how fine the margins are in the NBA. The Pelicans exposed weaknesses in Chicago’s depth and perimeter shooting, while also highlighting the value of timely execution down the stretch. The CHGO Bulls podcast team will likely dissect decision-making on late possessions, shot selection, and any adjustments the Bulls can implement heading into the next stretch of games. The next steps will involve tightening rotations, elevating shot quality, and harnessing any offensive spark from bench contributors to relieve the burden on Vucevic and the starting five.
What to watch next
Chicago will have opportunities to rebound against upcoming opponents, testing whether they can translate early-game energy into sustained quarters and prevent dry spells in the fourth. Coaches and players will focus on ball movement, efficient pick-and-roll actions, and closing out quarters strong to reverse the current skid.
Final thoughts
This defeat reinforces the reality that the Bulls must earnest engage on both ends to contest top teams. While Vucevic will carry expectations to produce—especially in crunch time—the supporting cast needs to hit timely shots and defend with consistency. The season remains a marathon, and the Bulls have the talent to climb out of a rough patch, starting with sharper execution in the next game.
