Following a six-point loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 19, the Chicago Bulls are 7-7 since the All-Star break, with a 2.5 net rating—13th-best in the NBA. Chicago’s post-All-Star break success can be attributed to stellar individual play from Coby White and Josh Giddey, a boost from its three trade deadline acquisitions, and a collective effort to improve defensively.
The Bulls’ backcourt duo of White and Giddey have combined to average 47.1 points, 15.1 rebounds, 12.5 assists, and 4.9 three-pointers per contest. Giddey leads the team with a 14.0 net rating since the break, while White ranks fifth on the team (of those who have appeared in 10-plus games) at 2.7.
Collins and the Bulls’ improved defense are key ingredients to a second-half surge
In addition to the two leading scorers, the triumvirate of Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones has exceeded expectations. All three players are averaging double-digits since February 20. The former two rank second and third on the squad in net rating, while Jones’ 7.5 assist-to-turnover ratio places him in the top five in the NBA.
Individual contributions have been a boon to the Bulls’ recent success. Nonetheless, the group effort to increase physicality and commit to the defensive end has paid dividends. Chicago is 10th in the league in defensive rating since the All-Star break—an enormous improvement from its 27th-place ranking prior to the midseason festivities.
Collins has been especially impactful on the less glamorous end. The former San Antonio Spur’s defensive rating is 107.1 in 15 appearances with the Bulls, which ranks first on the team. Chicago is far better off defensively with Collins on the floor. The Bulls allow 12.7 points less per 100 possessions whenever the 7-foot big man is in the lineup. Collins’ differential ranks in the 99th percentile.
Chicago is 5-3 whenever Head Coach Billy Donovan has trotted out Collins alongside the starters. However, despite the lineup’s success, Donovan has since demoted the big man to a reserve role upon Nikola Vucevic’s return from injury. Vooch missed seven straight games with a calf injury before appearing in the Bulls’ five most recent contests.