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The Bulls made a striking debut against the Memphis Grizzlies at the 2026 NBA Summer League, but fell short 96 to 97 on Friday night.
Chicago started Dailyn Swain, Jaylin Sellers, Noa Essengue, Caleb Wilson, and Tobe Awaka.
All eyes were on Caleb Wilson the Bulls' fourth pick in the draft, to show out in the first game in Las Vegas. The former Tar Heel went into tonight's game with a simple goal, when asked by reporters a few days prior: To win. Wilson played 14 minutes in the first half, grabbing a matching 14 points during his time on the floor.
The energy on the floor was tangible as soon as the game began, with Bulls fans visible across the Thomas and Mack Center. From tip-off, Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter did a nice job with rotating the young group in and out of the game, allowing players to get meaningful minutes for the debut game.
Bulls vets Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey were court-side to support their team, and the adored mascot Benny the Bull was also in attendance.
The Bulls attained 17 points in the first quarter compared to the Grizzlies' 23, followed by 28 in the second by the Grizzlies, as well.
At the half, the Bulls were down by 6 points, largely attributed to a strong opening performance by the Grizzlies' Cameron Boozer.
The deficit at the half did not deter the Bulls, however, as they came back with a palpable intensity in both the third and fourth quarters.
Caleb Wilson led with 14 points, and Jaylin Sellers notched 8.
6'11" second-year Bull Noa Essengue made his return to not only the Summer League hardwood, but to playing with the Bulls, as well. Essengue was sidelined for the majority of the 2025-2026 season with a shoulder injury.
At the half, Essengue had acquired 3 rebounds and 1 block, getting back into the groove of the game after his absence.
Coming back strong after the season-ending issue, Essengue looked cool, calm, and collected during his 29 minutes on the floor, and ended the game with 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
In the third quarter, the Bulls came back from the deficit with a few efficient threes sunk by Caleb Wilson, closing the gap even more, with a score of 79 to 68. As the game progressed, the group seemed to find their groove together with every possession.
Caleb Wilson led the team in minutes and was active on the floor for 25 minutes. Jaylin Sellers and Dailyn Swain followed closely behind, each having played 22 minutes.
The fourth and final quarter was the most physical yet, with the Bulls paying close attention to guarding the paint and putting pressure on their competition.
Caleb Wilson had 35 points in his 33 minutes in the game, highlighting his ability for this first game in Las Vegas.
Ultimately, the Bulls fell just 1 point short with a buzzer beater from Caleb Wilson. Despite the loss, the Bulls played a strong, efficient, exciting game, one that definitely set the tone for their upcoming games at Summer League.
The next game will occur on Monday, July 13 at 8 PM CST against the Utah Jazz, followed by a back-to-back game the next day with the Washington Wizards at 7 PM CST.
Continue reading...
Chicago started Dailyn Swain, Jaylin Sellers, Noa Essengue, Caleb Wilson, and Tobe Awaka.
All eyes were on Caleb Wilson the Bulls' fourth pick in the draft, to show out in the first game in Las Vegas. The former Tar Heel went into tonight's game with a simple goal, when asked by reporters a few days prior: To win. Wilson played 14 minutes in the first half, grabbing a matching 14 points during his time on the floor.
The energy on the floor was tangible as soon as the game began, with Bulls fans visible across the Thomas and Mack Center. From tip-off, Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter did a nice job with rotating the young group in and out of the game, allowing players to get meaningful minutes for the debut game.
Bulls vets Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey were court-side to support their team, and the adored mascot Benny the Bull was also in attendance.
The Bulls attained 17 points in the first quarter compared to the Grizzlies' 23, followed by 28 in the second by the Grizzlies, as well.
At the half, the Bulls were down by 6 points, largely attributed to a strong opening performance by the Grizzlies' Cameron Boozer.
The deficit at the half did not deter the Bulls, however, as they came back with a palpable intensity in both the third and fourth quarters.
Caleb Wilson led with 14 points, and Jaylin Sellers notched 8.
6'11" second-year Bull Noa Essengue made his return to not only the Summer League hardwood, but to playing with the Bulls, as well. Essengue was sidelined for the majority of the 2025-2026 season with a shoulder injury.
At the half, Essengue had acquired 3 rebounds and 1 block, getting back into the groove of the game after his absence.
Coming back strong after the season-ending issue, Essengue looked cool, calm, and collected during his 29 minutes on the floor, and ended the game with 5 rebounds and 4 blocks.
In the third quarter, the Bulls came back from the deficit with a few efficient threes sunk by Caleb Wilson, closing the gap even more, with a score of 79 to 68. As the game progressed, the group seemed to find their groove together with every possession.
Caleb Wilson led the team in minutes and was active on the floor for 25 minutes. Jaylin Sellers and Dailyn Swain followed closely behind, each having played 22 minutes.
The fourth and final quarter was the most physical yet, with the Bulls paying close attention to guarding the paint and putting pressure on their competition.
Caleb Wilson had 35 points in his 33 minutes in the game, highlighting his ability for this first game in Las Vegas.
Ultimately, the Bulls fell just 1 point short with a buzzer beater from Caleb Wilson. Despite the loss, the Bulls played a strong, efficient, exciting game, one that definitely set the tone for their upcoming games at Summer League.
The next game will occur on Monday, July 13 at 8 PM CST against the Utah Jazz, followed by a back-to-back game the next day with the Washington Wizards at 7 PM CST.
Continue reading...
