Chicago Bulls Stage Miraculous 24-Point Comeback to Stun 76ers
There are nights in the NBA when you witness something special—something that reminds you why basketball remains the most electrifying game on the planet. Tuesday night at the United Center was one of those nights.
The Chicago Bulls, staring down the barrel of an embarrassing blowout loss on their home court, pulled off what can only be described as a jaw-dropping resurrection. Down 24 points to the Philadelphia 76ers, they clawed, scratched, and fought their way back to a 113-111 victory that had 21,016 fans on their feet, screaming until their voices gave out.
Giddey’s Historic Performance Fuels the Fire
Josh Giddey put on an absolute clinic. The young guard’s stat line—29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists—tells only part of the story. This was his second consecutive triple-double, making him the first Bulls player to achieve that feat since a guy named Michael Jordan did it back in 1989. Yeah, that Michael Jordan.
But numbers don’t capture the poise Giddey showed in the pressure cooker of the fourth quarter. With the game hanging in the balance and just seconds remaining, he drove hard to the basket, drawing defenders like a magnet. Then, showing the court vision that’s become his trademark, he whipped a pass to Nikola Vucevic, spotted up beyond the arc.
Vucevic Delivers the Dagger
Vucevic didn’t hesitate. The veteran center, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, rose and drained the three-pointer with 3.2 seconds left on the clock. The building erupted. Philadelphia had one last chance—Quentin Grimes got a decent look from downtown at the buzzer—but the basketball gods had other plans. The shot clanged off the rim, and the Chicago Bulls had completed their largest comeback since 2021.
This wasn’t just any comeback. It tied for the third-largest in franchise history, a remarkable achievement for a team that’s still finding its identity under new leadership.
Maxey’s Brilliance Goes Unrewarded
Let’s be clear: Tyrese Maxey was sensational. The Sixers’ star guard poured in 39 points on 14-of-26 shooting, including six three-pointers. He was unconscious in the first quarter, scoring 12 points and hitting four triples as Philadelphia built what looked like an insurmountable lead. The Sixers hung 45 points in that opening frame alone, and it seemed like the Bulls were in for a long, painful evening.
But basketball is a 48-minute game, and the Bulls proved they can play championship-caliber defense when it matters most.
Defense Wins Championships
Here’s where the game turned: Chicago’s defense locked down in the fourth quarter like a vault door slamming shut. The Chicago Bulls held the Sixers to just 16 points in the final period—a stunning defensive effort that completely flipped the script on what had been a high-scoring affair.
Isaac Okoro chipped in 16 points and played excellent perimeter defense. Jalen Smith provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, knocking down three crucial three-pointers. Even rookie VJ Edgecombe, playing for Philadelphia, showed flashes with 12 points and 11 rebounds, though his efforts ultimately fell short.
A Statement Win
The victory improved the Chicago Bulls’ record to 6-1, placing them atop the Eastern Conference standings. They’re undefeated at home, turning the United Center into a fortress where opposing teams go to have their hearts broken.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, dropped to 5-2. It’s still a solid record, but this loss stings. When you’re up 24 points and have Tyrese Maxey going nuclear, you’re supposed to close out games. The Sixers couldn’t, and that’s a concerning trend they’ll need to address quickly.
Looking Ahead
This Chicago Bulls team is different. There’s a resilience, a refusal to quit that permeates the roster. Josh Giddey is establishing himself as a legitimate playmaker and leader. Nikola Vucevic continues to be the steady veteran presence they need. And the supporting cast is stepping up when called upon.
As the season unfolds, games like this build character and chemistry. The kind that matters come playoff time. Tuesday night wasn’t just about two points in the win column—it was about proving to themselves and the league that this Chicago Bulls squad has something special brewing.
And if you were lucky enough to be in the United Center when Vucevic’s three-pointer splashed through the net? You witnessed the kind of moment that reminds us all why we fell in love with basketball in the first place.
