For Chicago Bulls fans, it’s a tale as old as time—or at least as old as this frustrating season. You’ve heard the warnings, seen the patterns, and yet, here we are again. The day has finally come where the Bulls’ stubborn refusal to heed their coach’s advice has burned them once more, quite literally like a kid who just can’t stop touching the hot stove despite every parental plea. In a lopsided 130-143 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans on November 24, 2025, the Bulls didn’t just lose—they self-destructed in all the familiar ways Billy Donovan has been harping on since day one.
The game at the Smoothie King Center was a masterclass in repetition. The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson’s dominant 29 points and Trey Murphy III’s 20, feasted on Chicago’s lack of physicality and discipline. New Orleans controlled the rebounds (55-33), turned Bulls turnovers into easy points (17 giveaways for Chicago), and shot efficiently from the field (51%). It wasn’t a contest; it was a clinic on how to exploit a team that’s too busy ignoring its own playbook.
Enter Ayo Dosunmu, the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal night. Dosunmu dropped a team-high 28 points on efficient 11-of-16 shooting, adding a positive +6 plus-minus—the only Bull to finish on the right side of that stat. Postgame, he channeled the frustration of a squad that’s heard the same sermon but keeps sinning. “Coach is telling us a thousand times to box out,” Dosunmu said, echoing Donovan’s endless reminders. “On film, we’re going to the glass, not boxing out, just standing around. Coach is telling us to get into the ball. Coach is telling us what we have to do in order to play physical. And we’re doing that sometimes in the game but not doing it the full game.”
Then came the zinger that perfectly captures this Bulls team’s adolescence: “We keep saying the stove is hot, and we keep touching the stove.” Ouch. It’s the kind of analogy that sticks because it’s so painfully accurate. Donovan, the exasperated parent in this scenario, has been preaching urgency, rebounding, and defensive rotations all season. Yet, against the Pelicans, the Bulls allowed 19 offensive rebounds, got outhustled to loose balls, and watched as slow switches led to wide-open threes (New Orleans hit 13-of-35 from deep).
This isn’t new. The Bulls entered the matchup at 9-7, showing flashes of potential with young talents like Josh Giddey (21 points, 7 rebounds) and Coby White (24 points). But the inconsistencies are glaring. Patrick Williams struggled with just 6 points on 2-of-9 shooting, and rookie Matas Buzelis, despite 10 points, finished with a -23 plus-minus in 21 minutes. The bench provided some spark—Jalen Smith with 13 points and Tre Jones dishing 11 assists—but it wasn’t enough to overcome the self-inflicted wounds.
Donovan’s postgame presser was a mix of honesty and exasperation. He’s been consistent in his messaging: play with physicality, maintain discipline, and execute for the full 48 minutes. “He’s being completely honest with us,” Dosunmu added. “He’s telling us if we don’t do this, we’re going to get these results.” And boy, did they get them. The loss drops Chicago to 9-8, highlighting a team that’s talented but immature, capable of beating contenders one night and imploding the next.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, snapped a rough 3-15 start with this win, thanks to balanced scoring (seven players in double figures) and dominant rebounding from Yves Missi (14 points, 14 rebounds off the bench). But for Bulls fans, this game wasn’t about New Orleans’ resurgence—it was about Chicago’s regression.
So, when will the Bulls finally learn? When will they stop reaching for that scorching stove and start listening to Dad (er, Coach Donovan)? The clock is ticking on this season, and with tough matchups ahead, the burns are only getting worse. If this loss doesn’t serve as the ultimate wake-up call, nothing will. Bulls nation, it’s time for your team to grow up—before the blisters become permanent scars.