On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, the Chicago Bulls dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 134-118 at the United Center, delivering a statement win despite missing their top scorer, Josh Giddey, who will be out for several weeks.
Tre Jones took center stage in Giddey’s absence, producing a historic performance that caught the attention of Bulls insiders and prompted playful comparisons to Michael Jordan, a testament to the impact he had on both ends of the floor.
According to Bulls insider K.C. Johnson, Sam Smith jokingly remarked that Michael Jordan could have done what Jones accomplished but chose not to, to which Jones quipped, “Don’t tell him. He’ll come out of retirement,” highlighting the team’s lighthearted yet competitive atmosphere.
Jones’ performance was remarkable and efficient, scoring 20 points on perfect 7-of-7 shooting while also dishing out 16 assists with only one turnover, showcasing his versatility as a floor general capable of running the offense and creating opportunities for teammates.
Isaac Okoro led the team in scoring with 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including two of four from beyond the arc, providing steady leadership and perimeter scoring that helped maintain Chicago’s momentum throughout the contest.
Matas Buzelis contributed 19 points on 8-of-17 shooting, while Kevin Huerter came off the bench to add 13 points, proving that the Bulls’ bench can deliver critical scoring punch when called upon.
Ayo Dosunmu and Patrick Williams also made key contributions off the bench, each adding 12 points, with Williams shooting 4-of-8, highlighting the depth and balance of the Bulls’ roster even in the absence of their star guard.
Chicago’s starters all stepped up, combining efficiency with teamwork, as the team shot 51.1% from the field, including 34.9% from three-point range, demonstrating offensive precision and a balanced attack that kept New Orleans on its heels.
On the defensive end, the Bulls limited the Pelicans to 42.9% shooting while winning the rebounding battle 49-46, a combination of fundamentals and effort that allowed them to control the pace and flow of the game.
Tre Jones’ historic performance served as a statement that he can thrive in a starting role, having primarily come off the bench this season, while simultaneously demonstrating poise, leadership, and the ability to carry the offense efficiently.
While Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest Bull of all time and set standards that defined the franchise, Jones has a chance to carve his own legacy and contribute meaningfully to Chicago’s future success.
The Bulls’ collective performance highlighted the importance of balance, bench contribution, and adaptability, showing that even without Giddey, Chicago can remain competitive and continue building momentum in the Eastern Conference.
As the season progresses, Jones’ ability to perform at a high level will be crucial, especially with Giddey sidelined, giving fans hope that the Bulls have more than one player capable of creating elite offensive opportunities.
Overall, the win over New Orleans was a demonstration of depth, efficiency, and teamwork, as the Bulls seamlessly combined scoring from starters and bench, disciplined defense, and smart playmaking to secure a commanding victory in front of a home crowd.
With a performance like this, Jones is not only cementing his place in the starting lineup but also signaling that Chicago may have found a future cornerstone who can step into big moments and elevate the team’s performance consistently.
