Suns
Bulls Erase 15-Point Deficit, Beat Suns 124-117 in Preseason Game
The Chicago Bulls rallied from a 15-point first-quarter hole to beat the Phoenix Suns 124-117 at the United Center. Chicago outscored Phoenix in the final three quarters by taking better care of the ball and shooting a better percentage. It's a preseason game, so it carries no standings weight — both teams remain 0-0.
By the Hoops Nightly Desk · updated 14 d ago01The story of the nightA 15-Point Lead Doesn't HoldPhoenix opened with a 40-point first quarter and led by as many as 15 points.
Phoenix opened with a 40-point first quarter and led by as many as 15 points. Chicago answered with a 33-point second quarter that pulled the Bulls within two, 62-64, at the break. The Bulls outscored Phoenix 31-26 in the third quarter to take a 93-90 lead, then closed with a 31-27 fourth to win 124-117. Both teams had four lead changes, but Chicago's largest lead, 10 points, was smaller than Phoenix's 15 — the Bulls simply owned the second half.
02Brooks Scores, Booker StrugglesDillon Brooks led all scorers with 24 points for Phoenix, hitting 7 of 9 shots and 3 of 5 three-pointers.
Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 24 points for Phoenix, hitting 7 of 9 shots and 3 of 5 three-pointers. Devin Booker could not find his shot, going 3 for 14 overall and 0 for 8 from three for 11 points. Jalen Green added 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting with four turnovers. For Chicago, six players reached double figures: Caleb Wilson led with 15 points, Leonard Miller and Norman Powell each scored 14, Tobe Awaka added 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds off the bench, Matas Buzelis also scored 14, and Jalen Smith put up 13 points with eight rebounds.
03Fewer Turnovers, Better ShootingPhoenix out-rebounded Chicago 54-44, but the Bulls took better care of the ball, turning it over 21 times to the…
Phoenix out-rebounded Chicago 54-44, but the Bulls took better care of the ball, turning it over 21 times to the Suns' 26. Chicago turned those extra giveaways into 36 points off turnovers, compared to 30 for Phoenix. Both teams scored exactly 52 points in the paint, a wash, but Chicago shot better overall, 50.0% to 47.6%, and moved the ball more, finishing with 30 assists to Phoenix's 25. The bench units were close, 61 points for Chicago to 59 for Phoenix, and Chicago made 28 of 32 free throws.
04No Standings Impact, But TakeawaysThis was a preseason game, so it has no bearing on the standings — both teams carry a 0-0 record into the regular…
This was a preseason game, so it has no bearing on the standings — both teams carry a 0-0 record into the regular season. For Phoenix, the loss came despite 24 points from Brooks and a clear rebounding edge, with Booker's 3-for-14 night the obvious soft spot. For Chicago, the comeback showed bench depth: Miller and Awaka each scored 14 in reserve roles, and six different players reached double figures without anyone needing a heavy workload.
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