Josh Giddey Sparks Bulls’ Strong Start with Breakout Scoring and Leadership

The Chicago Bulls have opened their season with impressive momentum, and at the center of that surge is guard Josh Giddey. His breakout performance last Friday — a career-high 32 points in a 135-125 win over the New York Knicks — helped Chicago reach a 5-0 start, their best since the 1996–97 championship campaign.

Although the Bulls’ unbeaten run ended two days later with a 128-116 loss in a rematch against the Knicks, Giddey’s performance continued to stand out. The Australian guard recorded a triple-double in the defeat, posting 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, further cementing his status as one of the most dynamic young playmakers in the NBA.

Through six games, Giddey has showcased a more confident and versatile offensive game than in previous seasons. Once known primarily for his playmaking and rebounding, he has now added efficient perimeter shooting to his arsenal — a development that’s helping Chicago transform into one of the league’s most balanced offensive teams.

While the Bulls’ strong start is a collective effort, there’s little question that Giddey’s emergence as both a scorer and a leader has been a defining storyline. His growth has infused new energy into a team that’s clearly looking to take a step forward after several seasons of transition.

1. Sharpshooting Growth Marks Giddey’s Evolution

One of the most notable aspects of Giddey’s breakout has been his improved efficiency from beyond the arc. Long criticized for his inconsistent three-point shooting during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey has turned that weakness into a strength in Chicago’s system. Over his first three seasons in Oklahoma City (2021–2024), Giddey shot just 31% from deep. However, in his first full season with the Bulls last year, that number jumped to 37.6% on four attempts per game — and through the early part of this season, he’s hitting 40% of his threes. According to Pippen Ain’t Easy’s Jörgen Sandell, the change stems largely from Chicago’s offensive philosophy. The Bulls’ system prioritizes pace and spacing, creating numerous catch-and-shoot opportunities in transition. Those situations play perfectly to Giddey’s strengths — allowing him to take rhythm shots without the pressure of creating off the dribble. This newfound confidence from deep has forced defenders to respect Giddey’s perimeter game, opening up driving lanes and playmaking opportunities. The result is a more complete offensive player capable of impacting the game from multiple areas on the floor.

2. Leadership and Confidence Take Center Stage

Beyond his on-court production, Giddey’s poise and maturity have been instrumental for Chicago’s young roster. At just 22 years old, he’s already assumed a leadership role, setting the tone with his unselfish play and steady demeanor. Giddey’s offseason contract extension — a four-year, $100 million deal — has also provided stability, allowing him to focus on development rather than external distractions. That sense of security has translated into consistent performances and an elevated confidence level each night. So far, Giddey is averaging 22.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game — numbers that reflect his all-around impact. His ability to fill multiple roles on offense and contribute on the glass has made him indispensable in the Bulls’ early-season surge. Teammates and coaches have praised Giddey’s approach to leadership, particularly his balance of competitiveness and composure. His presence has helped unify a team still discovering its identity, providing both direction and belief during critical moments.

3. Bulls Building Around a Promising Core

The Bulls’ 5-1 start has sparked optimism that the franchise could be turning a corner. With Giddey leading the way, the team’s young core appears to be developing strong chemistry on both ends of the court. The guard’s versatility allows head coach Billy Donovan to run a fluid, adaptable offense that maximizes the roster’s strengths. While Chicago’s depth and defense will continue to be tested as the season progresses, Giddey’s emergence as a reliable offensive engine gives the Bulls a foundation to build upon. His ability to blend playmaking with scoring versatility has been a defining factor in the team’s early success. There’s also a clear sense of momentum surrounding Giddey’s individual growth. Once viewed primarily as a pass-first facilitator, he’s now proving that he can shoulder primary scoring responsibilities when needed — without sacrificing his ability to get teammates involved. If his current trajectory continues, Giddey could find himself in early All-Star conversations, and the Bulls might finally have the cornerstone they’ve been seeking since their last championship era.