The Chicago Bulls took advantage of a depleted Phoenix Suns roster to earn a surprising 105-103 victory on Thursday night, their first over Phoenix since 2019. Without key Suns players including Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, Anfernee Simons, and Jaden Ivey, Chicago seized the momentum early and never relinquished the lead. This win highlighted the significant impact of Collin Sexton Bulls Impact as the guard powered the offense from start to finish.
Dominance Inside the Paint Shapes Early Momentum
Just hours before the game, the Suns announced that seven-foot center Mark Williams would miss several weeks due to a stress fracture in his foot, removing a crucial rim protector from their lineup. Chicago, which has faced size and injury challenges of its own, was prepared to exploit this disadvantage. The Bulls surprised Phoenix by prioritizing aggressive play near the basket rather than relying on perimeter shots as in earlier contests.
From the opening tip, Chicago scored 20 of their first 24 points inside the paint. Collin Sexton set a relentless pace with his attacking drives, supported by the energy of second-unit player Rob Dillingham. The Suns appeared sluggish defending the paint and struggled to contain the Bulls’ penetration, leading to multiple breakdowns and open lanes. Despite shooting just 1-of-13 from three-point range in the first quarter, the Bulls maintained pressure inside, finishing the game with a commanding 68-44 paint scoring advantage.
Chicago’s defense also played a key role by clogging the lane and forcing opponents into rushed shots. The Bulls forced 15 turnovers by the Suns and recorded eight steals, limiting Phoenix’s opportunities to establish a post presence or run their typical inside-out attack.
Suns’ Shooting Troubles Compounded Their Defeat
The Suns’ commitment to perimeter shooting did not pay off. Known for their high volume of three-point attempts, Phoenix was unable to find their usual rhythm, missing 15 consecutive shots from beyond the arc at one point. They ended the night shooting just 13-of-46 from three-point range, a strikingly poor performance for a team typically among the league’s best shooters.
Free throw shooting further hampered Phoenix’s efforts—they made only 67.0% of their 27 attempts, which proved costly in a game ultimately decided by two points. The Bulls were also inefficient from outside and the charity stripe, hitting only 7-of-28 from deep and 16-of-25 on free throws, with Nick Richards struggling particularly at 5-of-10 from the line. However, Chicago’s speed and aggressive drives compensated for these shortcomings.
Devin Booker, usually a dependable scoring leader for Phoenix, finished 9-of-21 from the field and appeared out of sorts for much of the contest. His defense was challenged by Bulls guard Isaac Okoro, who helped disrupt Booker’s usual offensive flow. Several Suns players seemed unsettled by Chicago’s hustle and intensity throughout the game.
Game’s Chaotic Final Moments Reveal Bulls’ Fragility
The closing stages of the game were tense and fraught with mistakes. Phoenix mounted a late charge to trail by just one point, 104-103, with 23 seconds remaining. Following a timeout, Isaac Okoro inbounded the ball to Nick Richards at halfcourt. Richards hesitated near the over-and-back line, then passed back toward Okoro but misdirected the ball out of bounds, giving Phoenix possession and an opportunity to take the lead.
The Suns circulated the ball extensively but failed to capitalize, with Jalen Green forcing a driving layup that missed. Behind on the scoreboard, Phoenix fouled Richards, who made the first free throw but missed the second. Tre Jones then made a smart play by grabbing the offensive rebound and throwing the ball high just before stepping out of bounds, allowing time to expire and securing the win for Chicago.
This victory, while welcome, is also precarious. The Bulls now sit just one game behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, effectively narrowing their window to remain in lottery contention. Up next are the Sacramento Kings, who hold the worst record in the league, presenting the Bulls with an important opportunity to stabilize their season after a difficult stretch.
Despite the organizational pressure surrounding draft positioning—exacerbated by seven players traded at the season’s deadline—the players in Chicago’s locker room are focused on the present. This hard-fought win was meaningful in ending a recent losing streak and managing numerous injuries, even as the team’s long-term outlook remains uncertain.
Notable Player Performances from Chicago
Collin Sexton – A
Sexton was unstoppable for the Bulls, putting up 30 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. His relentless downhill energy broke down the Suns’ defense repeatedly. This marked Sexton’s third consecutive game scoring over 20 points and his first 30-point effort since March last year, achieved on an efficient 11-of-19 shooting night.
Tre Jones – A-
Jones improved as the game progressed, contributing 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. He was especially critical in the clutch, executing the final smart rebound play that preserved the victory for Chicago.
Tre Jones secures the W!@Tre3Jones | @CHSN_ pic.twitter.com/zko4R0oqZO
Isaac Okoro – B
Okoro contributed 6 points, 3 assists, and a steal, playing his usual defensive role. He helped limit Devin Booker’s effectiveness and energized the team’s defensive intensity overall.
Guerschon Yabusele – B-
Yabusele scored 16 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. While not highly efficient and prone to taking contested shots, he still had a positive impact (+7) and posed matchup problems for the Suns with his ability to stretch the floor, shooting over 40% from three since joining Chicago.
Nick Richards – C
Richards’ 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks were solid inside, but his poor free throw shooting (5-of-10) hurt the Bulls in a close game. Nevertheless, he provided a physical presence against a former team that once traded him away.
Tre Jones secures the W!@Tre3Jones | @CHSN_ pic.twitter.com/zko4R0oqZO
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 6, 2026
