The Chicago Bulls have been one of the best defenses in the league over the first two weeks of the 2025-26 season. Over their first five contests, Chicago ranks sixth in opponents’ points per game. Opponents are averaging 114 points, shooting 47% on 91 attempts.
Chicago Bulls are limiting three point attempts
Chicago’s early defensive success is attributed to its ability to prevent opposing teams from shooting three-pointers. Opponents are averaging 30.6 three-pointers per game over the first five contests, the lowest in the league.
Opposing teams have struggled to shoot three-pointers due to a particular play type. Opponents are primarily running the pick-and-roll play type against the Chicago Bulls.
Opposing teams are averaging 20.2 pick-and-roll ball handler possessions per game against the Chicago Bulls, the fifth-highest in the league this season. Furthermore, opponents are averaging 8.2 roll man possessions per game, the second-highest in the league this season.
The pick-and-roll game plan against Chicago has been in place since last season. During the 2024-25 season, opposing teams averaged 19.9 pick-and-roll ball handler possessions, the third highest in the league.
However, opponents took a three-pointer at a significantly higher rate last season. Over the first five games of last season, opponents averaged 41.2 three-pointers per game, the sixth-highest in the league.
Nikola Vučević’s defensive adjustment in pick and roll coverage
You are likely asking yourself, What is the difference between last season and this season? Well, the answer is how Nikola Vučević has chosen to defend the pick-and-roll.
Bulls Vs Hornets
Last season, Nikola Vučević was focused on paying attention to his defensive assignment. On January 17, 2025, former Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry had the ball at the top of the key with 4:05 left in the first quarter. Curry took a few steps to the right to go over a green set by Moussa Diabaté.
Nikola Vučević was initially assigned to guard Diabaté for the possession. He was standing at the free-throw line when Diabaté set the screen for Curry. After setting the screen, Moussa remained around the three-point line. Therefore, Nikola Vučević did not move, as he was focused on staying with Diabaté for the entire play. Consequently, Curry had an open lane to the basket for a lay-up.
Vučević’s defensive approach contributed to opponents averaging 28.8 three-pointers per game during his 33.1 minutes of action.
Bulls Vs Pistons
Nikola Vučević has altered his approach to defending the pick-and-roll early in this season. He is currently focusing on the pick-and-roll ball handler during most possessions. On October 22, 2025, Nikola Vučević was assigned to guard Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren with 11:30 left in the first quarter.
Jalen ran to the left wing to set a screen for Cade Cunningham. Cade went over to the screen, where Nikola Vučević met him. Consequently, Cade threw a lob pass to Duren, who was wide open as he rolled to the basket. Duren ended the possession with a dunk.
The defensive adjustment has resulted in a 28.5% decrease in three-point attempts. During the 32.3 minutes of playing time, opponents are averaging 20.6 three-pointers per game.
Nikola Vučević’s decision to prioritize the ball handler has reduced the likelihood of teams shooting a three-pointer off a screen. However, this decision has allowed teams to take more shots closer to the basket. Opponents are averaging 36.4 shots per game in the restricted area, the most in the league.
Vučević is responsible for 68.7% of the shots allowed in the restricted area. Opposing players are averaging 25 shots per game in the restricted area against him.
The statistics are up 15.7% from last season; opponents averaged 21.6 shots in the restricted area. Vučević’s decision to pay less attention to his defensive assignment is having a significant impact on Chicago’s restricted area statistics.
Chicago is allowing 4.8 more shots per game in the restricted area compared to last season. Over the first five games of last season, opponents averaged 31.6 shots in a restricted area, fifth most in the league.
Overall statistical impact
Nikola Vučević’s decision has been the driving force behind the stellar defensive performance over the first five games. He has contributed to Chicago reducing opponents ‘ three-point attempts by 25.7%.
As stated above, opponents have gone from 41.2 to 30.6 three per game. Furthermore, opponents have decreased their three-point makes by 23.3%. Opponents made 12 three-pointers per game over the first five games of last season.
However, opponents are only making 9.2 three-pointers per game this season. Essentially, opponents are generating 8.4 fewer points per game from three-pointers. A potential counterpoint to this argument will be that Chicago is giving up more points in the restricted area due to increased opportunities. You are correct, but the increase has been slight.
Opponents are shooting 65.9% on 36.4 attempts against Chicago in the restricted area this season. Consequently, they are averaging 48 points from the restricted area.
Last season, opponents shot 73.4% on 31.6 attempts in the restricted area over the first five games. They averaged 46.4 points per game in the restricted area. Therefore, opponents have increased their restricted area production by 1.6 points per game.
As a result, Nikola Vučević’s adjustment has led to a 6.8-point swing per game. If Nikola Vučević can maintain this adjustment for the whole season, Chicago should have an above-average to good defense all year.
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