Key Takeaways

• The Bulls recovered from a 43-point loss to the Toronto Raptors to defeat the Bucks 132-125, aided by a 15-point comeback that framed the win as a finish-driven effort.
• Starting five were Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Smith, but the closing lineup featured Leonard Miller, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Wilson, and Powell, with Giddey and Buzelis taking seats on the bench.
• Splitter described his game-by-game philosophy for finishing lineups, cautioning against altering the starting lineup every time a player performs well or poorly to avoid chaotic changes.
• Powell led with 25 points and 9-for-9 at the free-throw line; Wilson added 21 points and 6 rebounds; Miller contributed 19 points off the bench; Okoro had 12 and Jones 11, while Buddy Hield added 13.
• Giddey and Buzelis ended with lower outputs, scoring 6 and 7 points respectively, and Giddey was listed as probable before the game due to a left wrist injury.
• The Bulls’ victory sets up a home opener against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, signaling continued experimentation with lineups to optimize late-game performance.