CHICAGO SURGE: The Bulls torch the Magic 110-98 despite icy shooting from their rivals, momentum builds fast as whispers of a comeback season echo through the league, and Chicago’s 2-0 start suddenly feels like the spark of something bigger..ll

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) and guard Ayo Dosunmu congratulate each other after a win against the Orlando Magic in an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: | Updated:

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Josh Giddey had 21 points and eight rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Orlando Magic 110-98 on Saturday night for a 2-0 start.

Jalen Smith added 16 points for the Bulls, one of their four players off the bench in double figures. Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic each finished with 15 points.

Paolo Banchero scored 24 points for the Magic, who were a woeful 3 for 24 (12.5%) from 3-point range. Orlando shot 39% overall and fell to 1-2.

Banchero also grabbed 10 rebounds but shot just 7 for 21. Anthony Black added 19 points and Franz Wagner had 17 for the Magic.

The Bulls led 83-80 after three quarters before Dosunmu went 3 for 3 from 3-point range in the fourth. Smith followed one of Dosunmu’s 3s with one of his own as Chicago pushed a three-point lead to 94-85 and never was really threatened again.

Bulls: Host Atlanta on Monday.

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) and guard Ayo Dosunmu congratulate each other after a win against the Orlando Magic in an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Magic: Visit Philadelphia on Monday.

 

Related Posts

LINEUP CONFESSION: Steve Kerr comes clean on Draymond Green’s role, admitting the small-ball center experiment isn’t built for an 82-game grind, and whispers spread that the Warriors may be plotting a midseason shake-up to keep their dynasty dream alive..ll

Warriors coach Steve Kerr makes important admission about Draymond Green playing center in Golden State’s current lineup.

LEAGUE ON EDGE: Al Horford sends a powerful plea as gambling chaos spills from the stands onto the court, warning that the NBA must “protect the players” before fan obsession crosses the line, and insiders whisper this may spark a league-wide reckoning over the dark side of betting culture..ll

Warriors big man Al Horford is calling for the NBA to take action as gambling has become more prominent with fans around the league.

INJURY WATCH DRAMA: Chaos brews before tip-off as the Bulls and Magic drop a loaded injury report — Coby White and Jalen Suggs headline a list that could reshape the matchup, insiders whisper that one surprise absence might flip the game’s momentum in seconds..ll

The Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic will both be missing their starting point guards and reserve centers.

LOCK-IN MENTALITY: Billy Donovan drops the “95% rule” bomb inside the Bulls’ locker room, challenging his squad to chase perfection through discipline not flash, and insiders whisper this mindset shift could be the secret weapon behind Chicago’s resurgence..ll

The Bulls have the pace and space of the offensive identity down. Now the players need to understand what to do when the ball isn’t in their hands. Nikola Vucevic has a suggestion: Keep cutting.

SILENT STATEMENT: The Heat make their point loud and clear without uttering a word, leaving Pelle Larsson and the locker room buzzing as whispers grow that actions — not words — just revealed Miami’s real rotation plans..ll

The Miami Heat may be trying to send Pelle Larsson an early-season message without saying a word.

MONEY BOMB: Terry Rozier’s $26.6 million contract details finally surface, whispers of hidden clauses and trade triggers light up the league, insiders say this revelation could spark a wild bidding war before the deadline..ll

Terry Rozier is in the final season of his four-year, $96 million deal he signed with the Hornets in 2022, but the Miami Heat guard’s ongoing gambling saga could put some of his salary in jeopardy.