Bulls’ Bench Lifts Team to Win Over Magic
Josh Giddey scored a team-high 21 points, and the Chicago Bulls’ bench delivered a dominant performance, combining for 58 points to propel the team to a 110-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. The win marked Chicago’s second straight season-opening victory.
Jalen Smith and Ayo Dosunmu led the second unit with 16 and 15 points, respectively, as the Bulls’ reserves outscored Orlando’s bench 58-35. The strong showing came just days after Chicago’s backups were outscored 50-35 in their opening win against Detroit.
Chicago showcased balanced scoring across the lineup, with Nikola Vucevic contributing 15 points, Tre Jones adding 13, and reserves Patrick Williams and Kevin Huerter chipping in 12 and 11. In total, seven Bulls players — including four off the bench — finished in double figures.
The Bulls were efficient from the field, shooting 47.0% overall and 37.0% from three-point range, compared to Orlando’s 39.1% and 12.5%.
Despite Paolo Banchero’s game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds, the Magic fell short at home for the second consecutive night, following a 111-107 loss to Atlanta on Friday. Anthony Black scored 19 points, Franz Wagner added 17, and Wendell Carter Jr. recorded 13 rebounds for Orlando.
After leading most of the night, Chicago’s advantage narrowed to 88-85 early in the fourth quarter, but Dosunmu and Smith hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead. Dosunmu connected on three of four from beyond the arc, matching the Magic’s team total.
Giddey also shared team rebounding honors with Vucevic, grabbing eight boards, while Tre Jones had a standout all-around game with 13 points, eight assists, and five steals.
Chicago’s bench efficiency proved decisive — four reserves shot better than 50 percent, highlighted by Smith’s 6-for-8 performance and Williams’ 5-for-7 effort. The Bulls’ depth and defensive energy helped them control the tempo and secure a convincing road win.
With two victories to open the season, Chicago looks to build early momentum, showcasing the kind of depth and ball movement that could define their campaign.
