Phoenix Suns showed that physicality is an aspirational Chicago Bulls identity

Morris Bankston of Pippen Ain't Easy argues that the Chicago Bulls' preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns demonstrated that the team's desired physical identity remains a work in progress. While Chicago won the game at the United Center after an early 10-point lead, the writer observes that Phoenix effectively exposed gaps in Chicago's physical play through aggressive defense and heavy ball pressure.

Bankston highlights that Dillon Brooks helped ignite Phoenix's disruptive defense, which contributed to six steals from Jordan Goodwin. Despite an 11-rebound display from Chicago's Tobe Awaka, the writer notes that head coach Tiago Splitter must find ways to counter aggressive defense and protect the paint after allowing 52 inside points.