Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan said before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers that he is going to try a new rotation, especially on the front court. That is one of the best decision he’s made as they managed they managed to get the win at home against a desperate Cavs.
Bulls survived Donovan Mitchell’s 32 points to get their second win in three games with Josh Giddey getting his sixth triple double of the season. The Australian guard had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He also put up 2 blocks and one steal.
Josh Giddey: Chi-Town’s playmaker!
🔴 23 PTS
🔴 11 REB
🔴 11 AST
🔴 5 3PM
🔴 @chicagobulls WHe is the first player in Bulls franchise history to record a triple-double with 5+ 3PM! pic.twitter.com/KIXJFp6zE9
— NBA (@NBA) December 18, 2025
That is expected of Giddey but the adjustment is on the front court, something Donovan previewed before the tip off.
Billy Donovan said he’d like to use this new big-man rotation moving forward. Zach Collins replaced Nikola Vucevic earlier than usual in 1st and 3rd and then Collins paired with Jalen Smith for stretches. Said with fuller roster, there will be element of sacrifice for minutes
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 18, 2025
This news even got some fans surprised.
Billy Donovan? Making adjustments?
Am I in the fuckin twilight zone?
Don’t pinch me.
— 𝒢 𝐼 𝐿 𝒯 𝒴 (@giltypleazure) December 18, 2025
Nikola Vucevic is the one regularly getting significant minutes for Bulls. Zach Collins and Jalen Smith are his back ups. In the two games they won, both guys played within their average playing time and provided relief for Vooch.
Billy Donovan praises his big men
The big men trio have combined +30 in the victory and Donovan acknowledged their effect.
“All three bigs played very well tonight… Vooch really kind of got it going in that end of the third, beginning of the fourth,” Donovan told reporters after the game.
This is the Bulls’ 2nd win in three games after suffering a seven-game losing streak. Will fans see the same rotation in the future? The coach hints they would.
“Everybody’s got to kind of complement each other… hopefully going forward we can continue to look at those kind of lineups.”
Bulls’ next assignments will be challenging as they will have a rematch with the Cavs on Friday before having two bouts with the Atlanta Hawks.
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