ORLANDO, Fla. — The Chicago Bulls secured a convincing 110-98 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, improving their record to an impressive 2-0 start to the 2025-26 season. While the win was a team effort, forward Patrick Williams quietly stole the show with a confident and versatile performance that showcased his potential as a key contributor. Meanwhile, second-year forward Matas Buzelis struggled, fouling out in just over 12 minutes. Here’s a detailed look at Williams’ emergence and six key takeaways from the Bulls’ victory.
Patrick Williams Finds His Groove
Patrick Williams delivered the kind of performance the Bulls have been waiting to see from the former lottery pick. In a game where he wasn’t the loudest or flashiest player on the court, Williams asserted himself with steady, impactful play across all four quarters. The 6-foot-7 forward finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists, but his contributions went beyond the stat sheet.
Williams was a force on both ends, diving for loose balls to force steals, slinging full-court passes after securing defensive rebounds, and confidently driving to the rim to draw fouls. A highlight came in the second quarter when he outjumped Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. to disrupt a lob pass, preventing an alley-oop. Moments later, he slipped a screen and charged through the paint for a thunderous one-handed dunk — one of two dunks in the game, a notable feat considering he had only 17 dunks in the entire 2024-25 season.
“I think I played good ball — but most importantly, we won,” Williams said postgame. “That’s kind of how I judge myself, no matter how I played. If we win, great. If we lost, I didn’t do enough.”
For a Bulls team looking for Williams to harness his physical tools and play with aggression, this performance was a promising sign. His ability to step up, especially on a night when starter Matas Buzelis struggled, could signal a larger role for Williams as a versatile bench contributor.
Six Takeaways from the Bulls’ Win
1. Matas Buzelis’ Foul Trouble Opens Door for Williams
Matas Buzelis had a night to forget, fouling out in just 12 minutes and 24 seconds. The second-year forward picked up two early fouls in the first quarter, forcing coach Billy Donovan to pull him after less than seven minutes. Buzelis returned briefly in the second quarter but drew another foul within 35 seconds, leading to another quick exit. The pattern continued in the third and fourth quarters, with Buzelis unable to stay on the court for long, picking up his sixth and final foul just 14 seconds after re-entering in the closing minutes.
Buzelis struggled offensively as well, shooting 1-for-5 and finishing with three points and two turnovers. Donovan acknowledged the learning curve for the 21-year-old starter, noting, “These are the learning experiences for him. He’s got to go through this.” With teams now scouting Buzelis as a primary option, his growing pains are evident. However, Williams’ strong performance off the bench provided a silver lining, offering the Bulls a reliable option and potentially sparking a healthy competition that could drive both players’ development.
2. Isaac Okoro’s Scoring Struggles Continue
Bulls forward Isaac Okoro, acquired in a June trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Lonzo Ball, remained scoreless for the second consecutive game. Okoro shot 0-for-6 against the Magic, following an 0-for-2 performance in the season opener against Detroit. Despite his offensive struggles, Okoro’s role as a defensive specialist remains valuable. He contributed four rebounds but also picked up four fouls and was absent from the closing rotation. With a career 46.6% field goal percentage and 35.1% from three, Okoro’s shooting woes are unexpected, and the Bulls will hope he finds his rhythm soon.
3. Bulls’ 3-Point Shooting Lags Early
Last season, the Bulls were a high-volume 3-point shooting team, averaging 42 attempts (third-most in the NBA) and 15.4 makes per game. However, through two games this season, their long-range output has dipped significantly. Against the Magic, the Bulls attempted only 27 threes, following 30 attempts in their opener against Detroit — 13.5 attempts below last season’s average. The absence of starter Coby White, who averaged 7.9 3-point attempts last season, is a factor, but the team has yet to compensate collectively. Fortunately, the Magic’s own 3-point struggles (3-for-24) helped the Bulls maintain control of the game.
4. Tre Jones Shines as Playmaker
With Coby White sidelined, guard Tre Jones stepped up as a pass-first point guard, delivering eight assists and just three turnovers against the Magic. Jones’ downhill drives created opportunities, drawing six fouls and scoring 13 points, including eight from the free-throw line. His defensive impact was equally notable, as he recorded a career-high five steals. Jones’ playmaking provided a different dynamic to the Bulls’ starting lineup, opening up the floor and keeping the offense flowing.
5. Deep Rotation Keeps Bulls Fresh
Coach Billy Donovan continued to utilize a deep rotation, deploying 11 players against the Magic. Reserves Julian Phillips and Dalen Terry saw minutes in the second quarter, contributing to the team’s high-energy pace. This depth allows the Bulls to maintain their grueling offensive tempo, a hallmark of their early-season success.
6. Rookie Noa Essengue Awaits Debut
Despite the deep rotation, 19-year-old rookie forward Noa Essengue did not see the floor, consistent with the Bulls’ plan to take a slow approach with the lottery pick’s development. Essengue has yet to make his NBA debut, but the team remains patient, prioritizing his long-term growth.
Looking Ahead
The Bulls’ 2-0 start is a promising sign, and Patrick Williams’ emergence as a confident, two-way contributor adds another layer to their young core. While Matas Buzelis’ struggles highlight the challenges of his second-year leap, the team’s depth and versatility — exemplified by players like Tre Jones and Williams — provide optimism for the season ahead. As the Bulls await Coby White’s return and work to regain their 3-point shooting form, performances like Saturday’s show they can compete with balance and grit.