Chicago Bulls closed out 2025 with a 134-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at the United Center. The victory moved Chicago to 16-17 and extended New Orleans’ losing streak to five games.
Chicago did it while shorthanded, playing without its top two scorers, Josh Giddey and Coby White, who were injured earlier in the week. The Bulls responded with production across the lineup and controlled the game late.
Isaac Okoro led the way with a season-high 24 points, scoring efficiently on 8-of-10 shooting. He had 16 points in the first half as Chicago carried a 67-62 lead into the break.
Tre Jones followed with 20 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense and pushing the pace. Chicago finished with 33 assists on 47 made field goals.
Matas Buzelis added 19 points, while Nikola Vucevic scored 17 and pulled down eight rebounds. Jalen Smith posted a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
All five Chicago starters reached double figures, and the bench matched that balance. Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and Patrick Williams also scored in double digits.
The Bulls asserted their up-tempo style, scoring 25 fast-break points and finishing with a 51 percent shooting night. Chicago also held its ground in the paint, edging New Orleans 60-56 in interior scoring.
Physical play defined long stretches of the game, and Chicago capitalized at the line. The Bulls converted 25 of 34 free throws after struggling from the stripe in the first half.
Chicago led 97-90 entering the fourth quarter and quickly opened the margin to 17 points. The Bulls maintained control the rest of the way and never allowed the Pelicans back within single digits.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 31 points, scoring 20 in the first half and consistently attacking the rim. Jordan Poole added 26 points off the bench.
Despite solid individual efforts, the Pelicans fell to 8-27, the worst record in the Western Conference. New Orleans shot 43 percent overall and committed 10 turnovers, which Chicago turned into transition opportunities.
Giddey is expected to be reevaluated in two weeks with left hamstring tightness, while White is set for reevaluation in one week due to a right calf issue. Center Zach Collins also remained out with a sprained right toe.
The Pelicans will host Portland on Friday night. The Bulls remain home to face Orlando in their first game of 2026.
