Back to Sport

Bulls Survive Late Surge by Suns to Win 124-117

Chicago improves to 1-0 with a hard-fought victory over Phoenix at the United Center, despite a frantic fourth-quarter rally that fell short.

Lena Quill

October 8, 20261 min read

Late Game Tension - illustration, Jake Team LLC
NBAFinal
Phoenix Suns117
Chicago Bulls124

October 7, 2026

A Definitive Start

The Chicago Bulls established control early on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, building a commanding lead that ultimately secured their first win of the season. Playing before 16,362 fans at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, the home team utilized a potent offensive display to defeat the visiting Phoenix Suns 124-117.

The contest opened with Chicago establishing dominance, outscoring Phoenix 40-29 in the opening period through efficient shooting and timely scoring bursts.

Turning the Tide

Phoenix entered the second quarter with momentum, but Chicago responded with a flurry of baskets to widen the gap. The Bulls extended their advantage significantly by halftime, capitalizing on driving lanes and perimeter shooting. The third quarter saw both teams trade points, yet Chicago maintained its buffer.

Key contributions from the home roster kept the pressure on the visitors, preventing Phoenix from mounting a sustained deficit-chasing run during the middle frames.

Fourth-Quarter Rally Falls Short

The game’s intensity peaked in the final period as Phoenix attempted to erase the shortfall. The Suns chipped away at the lead, fueled by aggressive plays and three-point attempts. However, Chicago held firm when it mattered most, preserving their advantage through critical stops and free throws.

Despite a late push that brought the score within single digits, the Bulls closed out the game, finishing with a 124-117 result.

Standout Performances

Dillon Brooks led all scorers with 24 points for Phoenix, providing a significant offensive spark throughout the contest. For Chicago, Caleb Wilson contributed 15 points, while Josh Giddey orchestrated the offense with 7 assists. On the glass, Tobe Awaka dominated with 11 rebounds, and Khaman Maluach added 7 boards alongside 4 assists for the Suns.

With this victory, the Chicago Bulls improve their record to 1-0. The Phoenix Suns drop to 0-2 on the season.

Sources

ESPN

Share

Lena Quill

Lena Quill covers Queen Creek high school and area college sports.

Related Stories

Sport

Arizona Buys Tackle Depth While a Rookie Keeps the First Assignment

Arizona’s Tuesday moves created a sensible division of labor: Jayden Williams remains the starting left tackle, while Jedrick Wills supplies veteran depth. Hunter Long’s injury reshaped the tight-end room in the same earlier transaction announcement.

Lena QuillOctober 7, 20263 min read

More in Weather