Through the first month of the 2024-25 season, the Bulls owned the league’s 13th-best offense but ranked just 29th on defense. Sure, their faster pace played a role, but the bigger issue was a failure to disrupt opponents or force them out of rhythm.
Over this time span, the Bulls ranked 27th in steals and 30th in opponents' turnovers. As the season progressed, Chicago's defense improved, but only marginally. Come the All-Star break, the Bulls placed 27th in defensive rating, 26th in steals, and 28th in opponents' turnovers.
Following the All-Star break, Chicago’s defense took another step forward, ranking 10th in defensive rating—though still just 20th in steals and 25th in opponent turnovers.