Bulls Secure Victory Over Rockets, Spurs Clinch Southwest Division
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Houston Rockets 132-124 on Monday night, March 23, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. The win boosts the Bulls’ playoff aspirations in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ loss, combined with the San Antonio Spurs’ victory over the Miami Heat, secured the Southwest Division title for the Spurs.
Game Recap: Bulls Dominate First Quarter, Hold Off Rockets Comeback
The Bulls established a strong lead early in the game, scoring a season-high 41 points in the first quarter and leading 65-48 at halftime. They added 67 points in the second half, ultimately prevailing with a final score of 132-124. ESPN reports that Chicago led by as many as 22 points during the game.
Despite the Bulls’ significant lead, the Rockets mounted a comeback attempt, fueled by Kevin Durant’s performance. Durant scored 15 of his game-high 40 points in the fourth quarter and shot 15 of 23 from the field, extending his streak of shooting 50% or better to nine consecutive games – the third-longest streak of his career. ESPN
The Bulls were led by Collin Sexton, who came off the bench to score 25 points, and Matas Buzelis, whose layup in the final seconds secured the win. Buzelis finished with 23 points, while Leonard Miller added 17. Josh Giddey contributed 15 points and 13 assists, and Jalen Smith, returning from an ankle injury, also scored 15 points. ESPN and Reuters
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun scored 33 points, and Amen Thompson added 23. Jabari Smith Jr.’s 3-pointer briefly gave the Rockets the lead with 5:56 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka was ejected from the game after receiving his second technical foul with 9.1 seconds remaining. ESPN
Spurs Clinch Southwest Division
The Rockets’ loss allowed the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the Southwest Division title with a record of 54-18 following their 136-111 win over the Miami Heat. ESPN
Looking Ahead for the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls (29-42) will continue their pursuit of a playoff spot with upcoming games against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 25, 2026, followed by matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, the Memphis Grizzlies on March 28, and the San Antonio Spurs on March 30. They will then return home to face the Indiana Pacers on April 1. NBA
| Datum | Home team | Host team |
|---|---|---|
| March 25, 2026 at 1:00 a.m | Philadelphia 76ers | Chicago Bulls |
| March 27, 2026 at 1:00 a.m | Oklahoma City Thunder | Chicago Bulls |
| March 28, 2026 at 1:00 a.m | Memphis Grizzlies | Chicago Bulls |
| March 30, 2026 at 1:00 a.m | San Antonio Spurs | Chicago Bulls |
| April 1, 2026 at 1:00 a.m | Chicago Bulls | Indiana Pacers |
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