Hawks the Latest Victims of Bulls’ Wave Machine

Key Highlights

  • The Chicago Bulls improved to 3-0 for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
  • Kevin Huerter and Patrick Williams played key roles in securing a 128-123 victory against the Atlanta Hawks.
  • Eight players scored in double figures, with the bench contributing 53 points to the win.
  • Billy Donovan emphasized the importance of depth and role players stepping up in critical moments.

The Bulls’ Unbeaten Start: A Wave Machine at Work

On Wednesday, October 27, 2025, the Chicago Bulls secured their third consecutive victory with a thrilling 128-123 win over the Atlanta Hawks. This impressive start has brought the team back to its glory days of the 2021-22 season when they also began with three wins in a row.

A Familiar Formula for Success

Coach Billy Donovan and his team have been executing a strategic plan, now dubbed the “Wave Machine,” which has proven successful thus far. In this approach, eight players scored double-digit points, while the bench contributed significantly with 53 points in total.

“We keep playing at this pace, have the fresh bodies going in and out, I think we can wear teams down,” Kevin Huerter stated, highlighting the team’s ability to maintain high energy levels throughout games. This strategy ensures that opposing teams are physically exhausted by the end of the contest.

Depth and Role Players’ Impact

The Bulls have been bolstered by their depth, with players like Ayo Dosunmu leading the bench in scoring. Huerter added 15 points to his tally, while Patrick Williams contributed 12 points late into the game.

“I think he’s starting to recognize things, even on some switches in the game down in Orlando,” Donovan noted about Williams’ improving performance. “Those are recognition things that come with experience, and sometimes in the heat of the moment early in his career when those decisions needed to be made quickly, he struggled with that. It’s good to see him get a better understanding of what’s going on and reacting to it.”

Key Players and Team Chemistry

Nikola Vucevic also played an essential role, scoring 17 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and coming close to a triple-double with nine assists. Donovan praised Vucevic for his defensive rebounding efforts and overall contribution on the court.

“It’s that breaking point that Kevin Huerter looks forward to,” said Huerter, referring to the moments when wave after wave of Bulls players wear down opponents. “That’s the moment in the game where we can really control the tempo.”

Implications for the Eastern Conference

The success of this strategy could pose a significant challenge for teams in the Eastern Conference. With key players like Coby White and Zach Collins still sidelined, the Bulls continue to showcase their depth and competitive edge.

“And we don’t even have (injured players) Coby (White) and Zach (Collins) back yet,” Huerter mentioned with a smirk, emphasizing the team’s potential when fully healthy. This statement hints at the strong performance the Bulls can achieve once all key players return to form.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts will be closely watching how Billy Donovan and his squad navigate challenges and maintain their unbeaten streak. The “Wave Machine” strategy could become a defining factor in this young campaign for the Chicago Bulls.