For the first time since Michael Jordan ruled the National Basketball Association in the nineties, the Bulls have started the season with five consecutive wins. In itself, the remarkable streak invokes nostalgia. That said, these Bulls – based more on harmony than celebrity – simply aren't enjoying a hot start. He has clearly turned a predictable transition year into a display of precision, balance and purpose. Their 118-108 victory over the Knicks the other day preserved an undefeated record and, perhaps more importantly, underlined the presence of a foundation that could lead to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.
To be sure, wins matter more than normal early-season fixtures. The Knicks, battle-tested and rarely out, opened the Cup as favorites in East Group C. And yet, the Bulls confidently dictated the tempo and tone, collecting 31 assists on 45 field goals. He played fast but under control, claiming that aggression was based more on timing than separation. It was not without reason that six of the red and white giants finished in double figures, which is testament to their disciplined performance.
It is worth noting that Josh Giddy has dismissed scouting reports questioning his shooting touch. The 32 points he scored against the Knicks were a career high, and he made four three-pointers in the first half alone. He orchestrated from the wings, cutting decisively through and through the paint, and absorbing contact without fear and as needed. His passing so far shows that he can be a great scorer.
NBA history is littered with fast starts that suddenly fizzle out as the schedule gets tougher, but the Bulls' early success appears to be constructive. Four of their half-dozen wins have been against playoff-caliber teams. And, frankly, he dispatched the Pistons, Hawks, Magic and Knicks by relying on communal momentum rather than All-Star talent. Each possession has been a small act of faith and, at the same time, a firm reinforcement of a larger principle: ball movement can still prevail in a league obsessed with one-on-one mastery.
It's too early to say whether the Bulls will remain steadfast once the tough times begin, but they have, if nothing else, earned the right to be taken seriously. They may be without a dominant scorer or headline-grabbing roster, but they have balance that reflects their ability to collectively be greater than the sum of their individual parts. In five games, they are not only undefeated; They are reliable. And in a campaign designed to test both intent and talent, their competitive advantage may be enough to carry them to Vegas.
Anthony L. Kuekong has been writing court side since businessworld Introduced a sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resource management, corporate communications and business development.
