The Chicago Bulls overcame a 15-point deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 124-117 on Wednesday at the United Center, improving to 1-0 in the preseason. Phoenix fell to 0-2.
The Suns controlled the opening half and led 40-29 after the first quarter. Phoenix extended its advantage to 64-59 at halftime, but Chicago steadily turned the game around after the break.
The Bulls outscored Phoenix 31-26 in the third quarter and took a 93-90 lead into the fourth. Chicago then maintained its advantage through a back-and-forth final period to secure the seven-point victory.
Tobe Awaka was one of Chicago’s biggest contributors off the bench, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds in 21 minutes. He shot 6-of-8 from the field, made his only three-point attempt and added a block.
Leonard Miller also scored 14 points, going 5-of-7 from the field and 1-of-2 from three-point range. He added one rebound and two assists before making the final basket of the game with 0.7 seconds remaining.
Caleb Wilson scored 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting and added three rebounds and two assists, while Norman Powell had 14 points on 3-of-4 shooting. Powell also made three of his four three-point attempts and went 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Matas Buzelis contributed 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Smith recorded 13 points and eight rebounds, while Josh Giddey finished with seven points and seven assists.
Chicago shot 51% from the field and 36% from three-point range. The Bulls also held a 35-30 advantage in assists and committed 21 turnovers.
Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 24 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. He also made all seven of his free throws and added four rebounds and two assists.
Oso Ighodaro scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds, while Devin Booker had 11 points on 3-of-14 shooting. Booker went 0-of-8 from three-point range but made all five of his free throws.
Jalen Green added 12 points, four rebounds and two assists for Phoenix, while Khaman Maluach had eight points and seven rebounds. Collin Gillespie scored 12 points and made three of his six three-point attempts.
Phoenix shot 48% overall and 31% from three, while committing 26 turnovers. The Suns held a 38-35 rebounding edge but could not protect their early lead.
Chicago closed the game strongly, outscoring Phoenix 31-27 in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.
