Billy Donovan’s Bulls stumble as Josh Giddey struggles against the Pelicans

Josh Giddey shouldered extra offensive responsibility with Nikola Vucevic sidelined, but neither he nor the Chicago Bulls could deliver. Chicago suffered a disappointing 143-130 loss to the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, who improved to 2-15 and snapped a nine-game losing streak on Tuesday AEDT.

The Australian, entered the game averaging 20.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, struggled to run the offense efficiently and turned the ball over multiple times. With starting center Nikola Vucevic out with a knee injury, the Bulls lacked presence in the paint. Josh Giddey took 12 shots and scored 21 points, adding seven rebounds and six assists, but he also coughed up the ball five times and finished with a minus-13 plus-minus in his 35 minutes on the court.

“You’re just not gonna go on the road, give up 143 points and beat anybody,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said during his post-game interview.

Bulls broadcast analyst Stacey King called Chicago’s recent defensive play “horrendous” after the team allowed 143 points to the Pelicans, pointing out that the Bulls had also given up 143 points to Miami just days earlier.

Bulls missing the services of Nikola Vucevic

After opening the season 5-0, the Bulls have dropped eight of their last 12 games, slipping to ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The impact of Vucevic’s absence was glaring in New Orleans. Without a reliable post presence, the Bulls struggled to contain their opponents, allowing the Pelicans to surpass 100 points with more than three minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Bulls staged a late rally, led by Ayo Dosunmu’s 28 points and Coby White’s 24. Jalen Smith contributed 13 points, while Tre Jones added a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists off the bench. The Bulls connected on 20 of 50 three-point attempts but could not overcome New Orleans’ balanced scoring effort.

Zion Williamson led the way for the New Orleans Pelicans with a season-high 29 points, while Saddiq Bey added 20 points and 14 rebounds, including two late three-pointers that helped seal the win in the final minutes.

The victory ended a nine-game losing streak and marked the first under interim coach James Borrego, who stepped in after Willie Green was fired. New Orleans got balanced scoring, with eight players reaching double figures, including Trey Murphy with 20 points and Jose Alvarado with 16, while Yves Missi recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

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