In a night that echoed the glory days of Michael Jordan and the dynasty Bulls, Chicago turned the United Center into a fortress of fire on Tuesday. Hosting the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers—who swaggered in on a six-game win streak—the Bulls didn’t just win; they demolished. With a jaw-dropping 28-point victory, Chicago tied their franchise record for three-pointers made in a single game, sinking 25 from beyond the arc. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The doubters? Silenced. The legacy? Reborn.

The Clippers, fresh off their own blowout wins, were supposed to be the predators. Instead, they became the prey. Chicago’s offense exploded like a supernova, raining threes from every angle. Coby White led the charge with a team-high six triples, looking every bit the All-Star he’s capable of being. Rookies and vets alike joined the party: Matas Buzelis, Kevin Huerter, and Ayo Dosunmu each drained four from deep, turning the game into a highlight reel of swishes.
This ties the Bulls’ all-time record, previously set twice—once against the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024 and again versus the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021. But this felt different. Coming off a dominant rout of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, the Bulls carried that momentum into Tuesday, building an insurmountable lead early and never looking back. The final score? A resounding thrashing that left the Clippers shell-shocked and the home crowd roaring.
With this victory, Chicago improves to 21-22 on the season, boasting a solid 14-9 record at the United Center. It’s a reminder that when the Bulls are clicking, they’re not just competitive—they’re elite.
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For too long, the Bulls have lingered in the shadows of mediocrity, trapped in what fans have dubbed “Play-In Purgatory.” The past three seasons? Heartbreaking exits at the hands of the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament. Their last true playoff series? A 4-1 gentlemen’s sweep by the Milwaukee Bucks back in 2022. It’s been a grind, a cycle of almost-there moments that tested the patience of even the most loyal supporters.
But halfway through the 2025-26 season, something’s shifting. Sitting in ninth place in the Eastern Conference after Tuesday’s win, the Bulls are poised for a Play-In host spot—but that’s not the endgame. They’re just four games back from third place, with plenty of basketball left to play. Under head coach Billy Donovan, this team has shown flashes of brilliance. The defense that shut down the Clippers’ streak? That’s the blueprint. The offensive firepower? That’s the spark.
This historic blowout isn’t an anomaly; it’s a rebirth. The doubters who whispered about another lost season? They’re eating their words. Chicago’s young core, blended with savvy veterans, is proving they can compete with anyone. The United Center faithful can feel it—the echoes of past championships are growing louder.
Of course, no Bulls story is complete without the buzz of the trade market. With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5th—just weeks away—Chicago’s front office is poised to make waves. Will they push all-in for a playoff run, or pivot toward the future?
At the center of it all is Coby White, the electrifying guard whose contract expires at season’s end. Sidelined early by injury, White has roared back, torching defenses with his shooting. Over the last two games, he’s gone 13-for-21 from three, dropping 27 and 24 points in back-to-back outings. Teams are circling, but the Bulls won’t let him go for peanuts. Expect a hefty return if a deal materializes—perhaps draft picks or a young star to bolster the roster.
Then there’s the blockbuster whisper: Talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for Zion Williamson. Landing a talent like Zion? That screams “win-now” mode. Williamson’s explosive athleticism could catapult Chicago out of the Play-In and into contender status. The Bulls aren’t too far off; a few key wins, a strategic trade, and suddenly, they’re climbing the standings.
No matter the direction—buyers or sellers—the Bulls are active. This isn’t a team content with purgatory. They’re rebuilding the legacy, one dominant night at a time.
Tuesday’s blowout wasn’t just a game; it was a resurrection. The Chicago Bulls, once mired in doubt and disappointment, have officially flipped the script. Tying a franchise record in such emphatic fashion erases the skepticism and reignites the fire that made this organization legendary. With time left to surge, trade options on the table, and a roster brimming with potential, the Bulls’ legacy isn’t just alive—it’s reborn.
Watch out, Eastern Conference. The Bulls are back, and they’re coming for more than just a Play-In spot. They’re chasing rings.