The Chicago Bulls finally saw a spark from Josh Giddey after a dismal start to the 2026-27 campaign. For the first eight games, the point guard struggled to find his rhythm and the team sat at 1-8. That changed on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Giddey poured in 19 points and dished out 15 assists while pulling down seven rebounds in a 127-121 loss. It was a performance that reminded everyone why the franchise signed him to a deal worth $25 million per season.
Before this game, the numbers looked bleak. In only two of his first eight games, Giddey shot at least 10 field goals. His shooting percentages dropped significantly across the board. He entered the clash with Philadelphia shooting just 38.9 percent from the field. The Bulls need their main facilitator to be aggressive, and Sunday provided a glimpse of that old self. The team still lost, but they kept the game close against a top-tier opponent.
Admitting the Struggle
Giddey did not shy away from the criticism regarding his early season play. He knew he was not playing to his standard. “I’ve probably played the worst eight games that I’ve played in my career, in terms of the stretch,” Giddey said of his first eight games this year, according to Yahoo Sports. That level of honesty is rare for a young player. It shows he understands the gap between his current output and what the team needs.
His stats from the first nine games tell the full story of that slump. His averages included 8.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 10.3 points. Those numbers are a sharp drop from his previous year where he posted 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. The drop in volume was the biggest issue. He went from 13.3 field goal attempts per game last season to just 9.3 this year. That lack of aggression hurt the Bulls’ offense, which already ranks low in the league.
Coach Sees the Right Josh
Head coach Tiago Splitter noticed the change immediately during the game against Philadelphia. The coaching staff had been waiting for Giddey to attack the paint and involve his teammates. Splitter credited him with delivering a big performance against the 76ers.
This shift in style is exactly what the Bulls need to turn their season around. When Giddey scores 20 points or more, the team has a much better chance to win. History shows that Chicago went 10-10 when he hit that mark last season. The connection between his scoring and the team’s success is clear. He does not need to be the only scorer, but he must be a threat. The 6-of-8 shooting on two-pointers against Philadelphia was a key sign of his return to form.
Small Steps Forward
Even with the strong performance, Giddey knows there is work to do. The loss to Philadelphia was a tough one, but it was a competitive effort. He had some mistakes late in the game that he would like to take back. After nine games with few positives, Giddey finds that these small steps forward provide a significant confidence boost.
The Bulls face a long road to the 2027 NBA Playoffs. They are likely to experience growing pains as they try to find their identity. However, if Giddey can sustain this assertive style alongside rookie Caleb Wilson, the team can improve. The narrative of a lost season can still be erased if the team builds on this effort. The Bulls will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup on the schedule.
