Bulls searching for shooting aim entering clash vs. Celtics

The Chicago Bulls are still looking for ways to improve their 3-point shooting, an issue that has carried over from the offseason into the early stages of the season.

Entering Monday night's road game against the Boston Celtics, the Bulls ranked 17th among the 30 NBA teams in 3-point percentage during the 2025-26 regular season but sit last in the league through three games this season at 22.6%. Chicago is averaging 9.3 made 3-pointers on 41.3 attempts per game.

"I want them to shoot the ball," Chicago coach Tiago Splitter said following Saturday's 124-120 loss to Washington. "They can shoot. Part of their development is you are open, you got to shoot it. You practice every day; you have to take them in the game. Sometimes it's the shot the other team is giving to you. It's a team thing, not just one player. Everybody's got to be better. We don't have a 7-3 guy that's going to clean up the whole thing. So it's got to be a team effort and awareness."

The Bulls went 12-for-43 from 3-point range against the Wizards. Caleb Wilson, the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, scored a game-high 30 points but went 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. Jalen Smith and Matas Buzelis each went 2-for-7.

"We all knew coming into season (3-point shooting was) one of things we've got to get better and develop," Splitter said. "Caleb one of nine, Matas two of seven - those are the guys who are going to take shots. They are going to get better. But shoot (28) percent, you've really got to win the possession game to win when you are not shooting the ball well."

Chicago has struggled defensively as well, allowing 128.0 points per game. Only Milwaukee (129.0) has allowed more.

Boston bounced back from a season-opening 121-113 loss at Detroit by beating New York 107-103 at home Friday night. Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. The Celtics also received strong performances from center Neemias Queta and guard/forward Jordan Walsh.

Queta started at center for Boston last season but now comes off the bench after the Celtics acquired Mitchell Robinson in the offseason. Queta had 15 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in 22 minutes against the Knicks.

Walsh, known primarily for his defense, has started both of Boston's games. He helped limit New York's Jalen Brunson to 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Walsh, who signed a three-year, $15 million extension last summer, was assigned to guard Cade Cunningham in Boston's opener.

"I thought he was special (against New York)," Boston's Paul George said. "He set the tone. Jalen is a handful, and for a young guy he can be a lot. Jordan took the challenge. He did a great job of navigating being physical and not being overly physical. He gave him some good looks defensively to frustrate him and get him out of rhythm."

Boston has won nine of the past 11 meetings.

--Field Level MediaThe Chicago Bulls are still looking for ways to improve their 3-point shooting, an issue that has carried over from the offseason into the early stages of the season.

Entering Monday night's road game against the Boston Celtics, the Bulls ranked 17th among the 30 NBA teams in 3-point percentage during the 2025-26 regular season but sit last in the league through three games this season at 22.6%. Chicago is averaging 9.3 made 3-pointers on 41.3 attempts per game.

"I want them to shoot the ball," Chicago coach Tiago Splitter said following Saturday's 124-120 loss to Washington. "They can shoot. Part of their development is you are open, you got to shoot it. You practice every day; you have to take them in the game. Sometimes it's the shot the other team is giving to you. It's a team thing, not just one player. Everybody's got to be better. We don't have a 7-3 guy that's going to clean up the whole thing. So it's got to be a team effort and awareness."

The Bulls went 12-for-43 from 3-point range against the Wizards. Caleb Wilson, the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, scored a game-high 30 points but went 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. Jalen Smith and Matas Buzelis each went 2-for-7.

"We all knew coming into season (3-point shooting was) one of things we've got to get better and develop," Splitter said. "Caleb one of nine, Matas two of seven - those are the guys who are going to take shots. They are going to get better. But shoot (28) percent, you've really got to win the possession game to win when you are not shooting the ball well."

Chicago has struggled defensively as well, allowing 128.0 points per game. Only Milwaukee (129.0) has allowed more.

Boston bounced back from a season-opening 121-113 loss at Detroit by beating New York 107-103 at home Friday night. Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. The Celtics also received strong performances from center Neemias Queta and guard/forward Jordan Walsh.

Queta started at center for Boston last season but now comes off the bench after the Celtics acquired Mitchell Robinson in the offseason. Queta had 15 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in 22 minutes against the Knicks.

Walsh, known primarily for his defense, has started both of Boston's games. He helped limit New York's Jalen Brunson to 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Walsh, who signed a three-year, $15 million extension last summer, was assigned to guard Cade Cunningham in Boston's opener.

"I thought he was special (against New York)," Boston's Paul George said. "He set the tone. Jalen is a handful, and for a young guy he can be a lot. Jordan took the challenge. He did a great job of navigating being physical and not being overly physical. He gave him some good looks defensively to frustrate him and get him out of rhythm."

Boston has won nine of the past 11 meetings.

--Field Level Media