Chicago Bulls Survive Scare Against Pistons in 2025-26 Season Opener

The United Center was buzzing with 21,381 fans on October 22, 2025, ready to witness the Chicago Bulls kick off their season against the Detroit Pistons. What started as a dominant performance nearly turned into a complete disaster, but the Bulls managed to hold on for a 115-111 victory in a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

From the opening tip, the Chicago Bulls looked unstoppable. They moved the ball with precision, finding open shooters on the perimeter and attacking the rim with authority. The Pistons, on the other hand, looked lost. Their offensive game plan was clunky and ineffective, forcing contested shots in the paint while struggling to find any rhythm from beyond the arc.

By the end of the first quarter, Detroit was already down 16 points. The deficit would balloon to 23 points as the Bulls continued to pour it on. Nikola Vucevic was a monster in the paint, scoring with runners and three-pointers that had Pistons defenders spinning in circles. Josh Giddey orchestrated the offense beautifully, racking up assists and keeping everyone involved.

And then there was Matas Buzelis. The young forward put on an absolute show with two highlight-reel dunks that brought the crowd to its feet. His energy was infectious, and his 21 points proved he’s ready to make an impact this season.

Detroit’s Desperate Comeback

Down by more than 20 points, most teams would have packed it in. Not the Pistons. Credit where it’s due—they showed heart.

Cade Cunningham refused to let his team go quietly. Despite shooting just 8-for-24 from the field, he scrapped his way to 23 points and kept pushing his teammates to fight back. Isaiah Stewart was a revelation, dropping 20 points and pulling down 10 rebounds while swatting away four shots. He even knocked down two three-pointers, which was a pleasant surprise given Detroit’s abysmal shooting night.

Ron Holland brought the fire defensively, making aggressive plays that disrupted Chicago’s flow. His 19 points and relentless energy gave the Pistons a spark they desperately needed.

Detroit’s defense tightened up in the second half, forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Slowly but surely, they chipped away at the lead. The deficit shrank from 23 to 15, then to 10, and eventually they tied the game in the final minutes. The comeback was real, and suddenly the Bulls looked rattled.

Closing Time Chaos

With the game tied and the clock winding down, the pressure was squarely on Chicago’s shoulders. How do you blow a 23-point lead and not panic? For a moment, it seemed like the Bulls might actually lose this one.

But Vucevic steadied the ship. The veteran center finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds, and when it mattered most, he delivered. His ability to score from multiple spots on the floor kept the Pistons’ defense honest and gave Chicago just enough cushion to survive.