Chicago turns an early deficit into an opening win
The Chicago Bulls overcame a 15-point deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 124–117 in their preseason opener in Chicago on October 7, October 8 in the Philippines. Tobe Awaka provided 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench as the Bulls started their exhibition schedule with a win.
Phoenix built its largest advantage during the second quarter, but the lead had narrowed to 64–62 by halftime. The Suns stayed close after the break before Chicago finished ahead. Phoenix committed 26 turnovers, a major obstacle to turning its early control into a victory.
Dillon Brooks scored 24 points on nine field-goal attempts for the Suns. Devin Booker missed all eight of his three-point attempts. Phoenix improved its free-throw percentage to 76 percent but again lost after building a substantial lead.
Chicago started Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Jalen Smith. Wilson finished his first preseason appearance with 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting and collected five fouls. Smith added 13 points and eight rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
Awaka’s bench contribution included six offensive rebounds. Dailyn Swain also gave the Bulls useful reserve minutes, finishing with 10 points and six assists while making all three of his field-goal attempts, according to Bleacher Nation’s game report.
The performance gave coach Tiago Splitter an initial game sample of his combinations. Chicago’s preseason record moved to 1–0; the result does not count in the regular-season standings. The Bulls’ next listed exhibition is against Memphis on Friday.