The Chicago Bulls have successfully turned heads in the NBA yet again. After starting the season 6-1 and sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, many were stunned. They'd proceed to win three out of their next 16 and drop to the depths of the ranks. Over the last week, they've once again risen to relevancy by winning five straight outings, the league's longest winning streak, bringing their year to 15-15. In the win over Philadelphia last night, Jalen Smith chose violence and gave the NBA world another reason to tune in to Chicago Bulls basketball.
Stix Bodied The Process
Jalen Smith, or Stix, has been one of the bright spots for Chicago this year. He's provided a spark off the bench despite the heavily adjusted minutes and role; his length and three-point shooting abilities have provided stability offensively and a force on the boards. Not known for his ferocious dunks, last night he decided to change that narrative.
STIX PUT 'EM ON A POSTER. @thejalen_smith | @NBAonPrime pic.twitter.com/sukXqbbdg3
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 27, 2025
Smith was one of the primary reasons the Bulls won last night; his impact on both ends was irreplaceable. He finished with 12 points with two three-point makes, eight rebounds, three of them offensive, and three dimes. He was a team-high +24 while on the floor, and added a monstrous slam to his stellar outing.
Bulls Finding The Winning Ways Again
One of the main reasons why Chicago started the year well was the distribution of scoring. They'd average between five and eight players in double figures each night, with a different top man every game. The bench unit was often outscoring the starters and was one of the best in the league on both ends. Partially due to injury and somewhat due to the addition of ball-dominant guard Coby White, they had drifted away from that pattern over the last month or so. Recently, they've found their rhythm again, and it's proving to be repeatable.
Bulls 109, 76ers 102
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 27, 2025
Bulls post 2nd 5-game win streak of season, close game on 10-0 run
Bulls open 6-game homestand using same formula (6 in doubles; 30-plus assists) that has defined win streak
Bucks at UC Saturday
Proceed with caution while celebrating a winning streak headed into trade season. As evidenced by prior years, if front office leader Arturas Karnisovas senses any hint of contention from his group, he'll often remain stagnant at the deadline and use the standings for justification.
How long will the Bulls keep the streak alive, and is each win adding more joy or worry within the fan base?
