In a shocking upset that has left Chicago Bulls fans reeling, the team suffered a humiliating 143-130 defeat to the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night (November 24, 2025), marking one of the worst defensive showings in recent memory. Australian guard Josh Giddey, thrust into a larger role amid key injuries, battled through a nightmarish performance plagued by turnovers and inefficiency, as the Bulls’ defense crumbled against a Pelicans squad that entered the game with a dismal 2-15 record.
The game, played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, saw the Pelicans explode for 143 points, capitalizing on Chicago’s glaring weaknesses in the paint. Without starting center Nikola Vucevic, who was sidelined with a knee injury, the Bulls lacked any semblance of interior presence, allowing New Orleans to dominate the boards and shoot efficiently from all over the floor. The Pelicans built a commanding lead in the second quarter, stretching it to as much as 22 points, and never looked back, reaching 100 points before the end of the third quarter.
Giddey, the 23-year-old former Oklahoma City Thunder standout now in his first full season with the Bulls, entered the matchup averaging an impressive 20.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game. However, against the Pelicans, he managed 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting (including 4-of-10 from beyond the arc), seven rebounds, and six assists in 35 minutes. While the scoring output looks respectable on paper, it was overshadowed by a staggering five turnovers and a team-worst minus-13 plus-minus rating. His playmaking, typically a strength, faltered as drives to the basket yielded little reward, and several kick-out passes sailed into the hands of Pelicans defenders.
Bulls broadcast analyst Stacey King didn’t mince words during the third quarter, highlighting Giddey’s woes: “Josh is struggling tonight. He’s got four assists but four turnovers.” Giddey’s early contributions—scoring eight points in the first quarter, including a tough drive through contact and an open three-pointer—gave brief hope, but the turnovers mounted, and his impact waned as the game slipped away.
Vucevic’s absence was a critical blow, exacerbating Chicago’s defensive vulnerabilities. The veteran center’s knee issue left the Bulls without their primary post presence, allowing Pelicans big man Yves Missi to roam freely with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. “The Bulls have no post presence … you’re not going to beat teams like that,” King bluntly stated on the broadcast. Play-by-play caller Adam Amin echoed the sentiment: “I hope people recognize—and you and I have seen it especially tonight—just how much they miss Vucevic on the offensive end.”
This loss drops the Bulls to 9-8 on the season, a far cry from their playoff aspirations. The defensive lapses weren’t isolated; Chicago has now conceded 143 points to the Pelicans, 143 to the Miami Heat, and 120 to the Washington Wizards in their last three games. King labeled the team’s recent defensive efforts as “horrendous,” a damning assessment that underscores deeper issues within the roster.
On the Pelicans’ side, Zion Williamson led the charge with 29 points on efficient 8-of-14 shooting, while Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey each added 20 points. New Orleans shot 51% from the field and dominated the rebounding battle 55-33, turning Chicago’s 17 turnovers into easy transition opportunities.
For Giddey and the Bulls, this flop serves as a wake-up call. With Vucevic’s status uncertain, Chicago must regroup quickly ahead of their next matchup. Head coach Billy Donovan will likely emphasize ball security and defensive rotations in practice, but questions linger about the team’s resilience without their key big man.
This defeat not only highlights individual struggles but also exposes systemic flaws in a Bulls squad that has shown flashes of potential but consistency remains elusive. Fans will be watching closely to see if Giddey can bounce back and lead the team out of this slump.