PHOENIX – After a couple of massive wins recently for the Phoenix Suns, they came out flat on Thursday night against the Bulls and trail Chicago at halftime by a score of 55-50.
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Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) passes the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (35) in the first quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Thursday night didn’t start how the Phoenix Suns probably envisioned, as it was a slow start in the first quarter offensively. Phoenix shot just 8-for-23 from the three-point line in the first half, which included a lot of open looks as well. Chicago had their issues as well offensively as they shot 22-for-46 in the first half.
Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) dribbles down court against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Sloppy turnovers on both ends of the floor plagued the first half for both Phoenix and Chicago, though it was the Bulls who ended up capitalizing on the mistakes. Attacking the lane and driving with intensity was the motto for the Bulls whenever they had an opportunity in transition. The loss of Mark Williams was definitely hurting the Suns as they couldn’t stop Chicago from capitalizing in the paint.
Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) attempts a dunk against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Rookie Khaman Maluach got some minutes in Williams’ absence. At times, Maluach looked like he was ready to make some noise, including a big dunk after a beautiful feed from fellow Suns rookie Rasheer Fleming. Although Maluach at times was getting bullied in the paint on both ends of the floor and couldn’t get any consistency going. The Suns will need to tighten up the interior defense in the paint, eliminate the turnovers, and make sure the three-point shot falls, or else it could be a tough rest of the way on Thursday.
Mark Williams ruled out as Phoenix Suns remain massive favorites against Bulls on Thursday
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
