Bulls' New Physical Identity Still A Work in Progress

Gavin Dorsey

Oct 10, 2025, 13:00

Gavin Dorsey

Oct 10, 2025, 13:00

Updated at: Oct 10, 2025, 13:00

"Physicality" is the buzz word that Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and his players have frequently used this fall. Chicago's 109-90 loss in the Play-In Tournament — in which the Miami Heat led by 24 points at the half — looms as a constant reminder that a repeat of last year's defensive performance won't cut it.

The Bulls' phrenetic pace trailed only the Grizzlies a season ago, but the defensive side lagged far behind. In 2024-25, Chicago ranked 19th in defensive rating, 24th in steals and last in points in the paint allowed. The results have been a mixed bag through two preseason games.

During the opening quarter of Thursday's 119-112 win over the Cavaliers, the Bulls had five personal fouls in the first two minutes and allowed Cleveland to build an early double-digit lead. Chicago rallied to tie the game and eventually win, but it marked the second consecutive game in which the team got off to a slow start on both ends of the floor.

Even though it's been the focus during training camp and the preseason, Donovan said it would take some time for the team to truly embrace the physicality needed for the Bulls to succeed.

"There's moments in time that we can be better in that area, but I really feel like they're trying to be a more physical team, and especially trying to protect the rim," Donovan said after the game. "Offensively, we've really got to be physical there, because it's not just the defensive end of the floor. If we do get stopped in transition, you saw it on Tuesday and again tonight, [the Cavaliers are] a big, strong, physical, athletic team. They're going to beat into your bodies, and you've got to be able to move and cut."

Thanks to Chicago's quick fouling woes, Cleveland entered the bonus just 1:56 into the game. But despite the rocky start, the Bulls remained within striking distance, and the tide eventually turned from personal fouls to pesky takeaways. Ayo Dosunmu said he was actually pleased with the in-game fouls, noting that the team's training camp has been "a bloodbath."

Still, the Bulls need to be more consistent on defense and ensure those steal attempts don't put their opponents at the free-throw line.

"It's something we can correct," Dosunmu said. "Being physical is the first part. Now it's about knowing how to be physical without fouling... In practice, we're playing physical with each other. Each and every practice, it be tough. We've just got to be smarter, not let teams get in the bonus within the first two minutes of the game. That's something we'll clean up watching film and not having ticky-tacky fouls."

Chicago's 7.6 steals per game last season were the seventh-fewest in the NBA. The Bulls have logged 21 steals over two preseason games, with eight coming from Tre Jones.

It's far too early to tell whether any preseason flashes are indicators of what's to come, but one thing is for certain: the 2025-26 Chicago Bulls' season will be defined by whether or not the team can develop a serviceable defense and take advantage of an unpredictable Eastern Conference.

Bulls' New Physical Identity Still A Work in Progress