Spurs Survive Bulls’ Hot Start, 124-119, in Chicago

A Tale of Two Halves

The San Antonio Spurs (10-2) secured their tenth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 124-119 win over the Chicago Bulls (1-9) at the United Center on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. While the final score indicates a competitive contest, the game’s narrative was defined by a dramatic shift in momentum after the first quarter.

Chicago came out of the gate with exceptional efficiency, establishing an early double-digit lead that put the visiting Spurs on their heels. The Bulls’ offense was firing on all cylinders early, highlighted by strong contributions from Jalen Smith and Matas Buzelis. By the end of the opening period, Chicago had outscored San Antonio 41-29, taking a commanding 12-point advantage into halftime.

The Turning Point

The Spurs’ defense tightened significantly in the second quarter, holding Chicago to just 29 points while their own offense stabilized. The Bulls still managed to maintain a lead at the break, but the gap began to close as San Antonio found its rhythm. The third quarter proved to be the definitive turning point of the night.

San Antonio exploded for 34 points in the third period while limiting Chicago to just 19. This 15-point swing erased the Bulls' early advantage and shifted the psychological momentum entirely to the visitors. Key baskets from Victor Wembanyama and a surge from the Spurs’ bench allowed San Antonio to take control of the game’s tempo.

Closing It Out

Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer for the Spurs, leading all scorers with 32 points and grabbing nine rebounds. His ability to score from various levels, including deep three-point range and driving layups, kept Chicago’s defense honest throughout the game. Dylan Harper orchestrated the offense effectively, recording 10 assists to complement his scoring output.

For Chicago, Jalen Smith contributed 23 points, providing a consistent offensive threat, while Josh Giddey facilitated the attack with seven assists. Patrick Williams added seven rebounds for the home side, but it was not enough to withstand the Spurs’ late-game surge. San Antonio closed out the game with another 34-point quarter in the fourth, pulling away in the final minutes to secure the five-point victory.

Records and Implications

The win improves the Spurs’ record to 10-2, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The loss drops the Bulls to 1-9, continuing a difficult start to the season for the Chicago franchise.

The game featured an attendance of 19,699 at the United Center, witnessing a complete reversal of fortune as San Antonio overcame a significant early deficit to claim the win.

Sources

ESPN