Denver Nuggets vs Chicago Bulls Match Player Stats
The denver nuggets vs chicago bulls match player stats from the October 2025 preseason meeting tell a more interesting story than the final score alone. Denver defeated Chicago 124-117 at Ball Arena, but the Bulls actually shot better from the field and finished the game with a strong fourth-quarter surge. The difference came from Denver’s ability to build an early cushion, protect the basketball, attack the free-throw line, and create enough transition opportunities to withstand Chicago’s late comeback attempt.
Jamal Murray led Denver with 30 points, while Nikola Jokic produced an all-around performance with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. For Chicago, Josh Giddey led all Bulls scorers with 25 points and also contributed 9 rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic collected 10 rebounds. The official NBA record confirms the 124-117 result and the major individual leaders from the game.
Although this was a preseason contest, the box score provides several useful insights. Denver’s 9 turnovers compared with Chicago’s 18 were particularly important. The Nuggets also made 37 of 41 free throws, compared with 22 of 28 for the Bulls. Those details help explain why Denver won despite shooting only 43 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range.
Game Overview
The matchup took place at Ball Arena in Denver during the 2025 NBA preseason. The attendance was listed at 16,567. Denver entered the game with a 3-1 preseason record, while Chicago was 2-2. The game finished with Denver ahead 124-117.
The official NBA record lists the game under October 14, 2025, while its game information also displays October 15 in the venue information. This difference comes from the way the NBA platform presents the game date and scheduled time. The result itself is not in doubt.
Final Score
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
| Chicago Bulls | 29 | 26 | 28 | 34 | 117 |
| Denver Nuggets | 37 | 30 | 37 | 20 | 124 |
Denver built a 17-point advantage through three quarters before Chicago won the fourth quarter 34-20. That fourth-quarter response made the final score considerably closer than the game had been for most of the night.
The Nuggets’ largest lead reached 24 points, according to the official game chart. The game featured only one lead change and two ties, which shows that Denver controlled the contest for long stretches.
denver nuggets vs chicago bulls match player stats: Main Leaders
The individual numbers provide the clearest starting point for understanding the game.
Denver Nuggets Leaders
Jamal Murray
- 30 points
- 2 rebounds
- 2 assists
- 2 three-pointers
- Team-high scoring performance
Murray was the game’s leading scorer. His 30 points gave Denver a reliable offensive option throughout the contest. The official NBA recap specifically highlighted his 30-point performance.
Nikola Jokic
- 18 points
- 8 rebounds
- 8 assists
- 7-of-10 field goals
Jokic did not need to lead Denver in scoring because his overall impact came through multiple areas. His 8 assists tied him for the game’s highest assist total, while his 8 rebounds made him Denver’s leading rebounder.
Aaron Gordon
- Led the game in plus/minus at +32
The plus/minus figure is one of the most revealing numbers in the box score. Gordon did not need to score 30 points to have a major impact. His +32 indicates that Denver was substantially better on the scoreboard during his time on the floor.
Chicago Bulls Leaders
Josh Giddey
- 25 points
- 9 rebounds
- 6 assists
Giddey was Chicago’s leading scorer and one of the team’s most complete contributors. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him the central offensive figure for the Bulls.
Nikola Vucevic
- 10 rebounds
- 5 points
- 4 assists
Vucevic led Chicago in rebounding and also contributed as a passer. His 10 rebounds were the highest individual total for either team.
Matas Buzelis
- 20 points
- 7-of-12 field goals
- 3-of-7 from three-point range
- 3-of-3 from the free-throw line
- 3 rebounds
Buzelis was one of Chicago’s most efficient offensive players. He shot 58.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Complete Team Statistical Comparison
The overall numbers reveal why Denver won even though Chicago had better shooting percentages.
| Statistic | Chicago Bulls | Denver Nuggets |
| Final Score | 117 | 124 |
| Field Goals | 41-81 | 39-90 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 51% | 43% |
| Three-Pointers | 13-38 | 9-33 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 34% | 27% |
| Free Throws | 22-28 | 37-41 |
| Free-Throw Percentage | 79% | 90% |
| Rebounds | 43 | 37 |
| Assists | 31 | 26 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 9 |
| Steals | 3 | 7 |
| Blocks | 9 | 4 |
At first glance, Chicago’s numbers look better in several traditional shooting categories. The Bulls made 51 percent of their field-goal attempts, compared with 43 percent for Denver. Chicago also made 13 three-pointers compared with Denver’s nine.
Yet basketball games are not decided by field-goal percentage alone.
Denver’s biggest advantages were at the free-throw line and in ball security.
The Nuggets attempted 41 free throws and made 37. Chicago attempted 28 and made 22. That created a 15-point advantage in made free throws.
Denver also committed only nine turnovers. Chicago committed 18, meaning the Bulls gave the Nuggets nine additional possessions through turnovers.
That combination is critical. A team can shoot worse from the field and still win when it generates more efficient scoring opportunities and avoids giving possessions away.
Why Denver Won Despite Shooting 43 Percent
This is probably the most important analytical point in the game.
A basic box-score reading might suggest Chicago should have won. The Bulls had:
- Better field-goal percentage
- More three-pointers
- More rebounds
- More assists
- More blocks
But Denver controlled other parts of the game.
1. Free-Throw Advantage
Denver converted 37 free throws.
Chicago converted 22.
That is a 15-point difference in made free throws.
The Nuggets also shot 90 percent from the line. When a team gets to the line frequently and converts at that rate, it can compensate for poor perimeter shooting.
2. Turnover Control
Denver committed only nine turnovers.
Chicago committed 18.
That two-to-one turnover difference was significant. Denver’s seven steals also helped create additional opportunities, while Chicago recorded only three steals.
The official game summary shows Denver finished with 14 fast-break points compared with seven for Chicago.
3. Strong Start
Denver won every quarter except the fourth.
The Nuggets scored 37 points in both the first and third quarters. Those two 37-point periods gave Denver the foundation for the victory.
Chicago never fully recovered from the early deficit.
4. Denver Created a Large Cushion
The official game chart lists Denver’s biggest lead at 24 points.
That matters because Chicago’s fourth-quarter rally began from a difficult position.
A 20-point fourth-quarter advantage is not necessary when a team has already created a large lead earlier in the game.
Chicago Bulls Player Performance Breakdown
Josh Giddey’s All-Around Impact
Giddey’s 25 points led Chicago, but his 9 rebounds and 6 assists make the performance more significant than a simple scoring total.
He was involved in several areas of the offense and helped Chicago remain competitive late.
His performance also fits the profile of a player who can influence a game without relying exclusively on perimeter scoring. Rebounding and playmaking gave him additional ways to contribute.
Matas Buzelis Provides Efficient Scoring
Buzelis was one of the most efficient Bulls players.
He finished with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. His three-point shooting was also strong, as he made three of seven attempts.
His perfect 3-of-3 performance from the free-throw line added another efficient scoring element.
For a preseason game, that type of shooting performance is particularly useful when evaluating how a young player is converting opportunities against NBA-level competition.
Nikola Vucevic Controls the Glass
Vucevic finished with 10 rebounds, the highest total for Chicago.
He also had four assists, showing that Chicago’s center was contributing beyond rebounding.
However, his scoring output was limited to five points on 2-of-7 shooting.
That created an interesting contrast. Vucevic was productive as a rebounder and passer, but his scoring efficiency did not match his usual offensive importance.
The official box score lists his 10 rebounds and four assists.
Chicago’s Fourth Quarter
The Bulls scored 34 points in the fourth quarter.
That was their best scoring period of the game and 14 points more than Denver scored in the final period.
This comeback is one of the most important details to remember when reviewing the final result.
Chicago did not simply fade away after falling behind. The team continued competing and substantially reduced Denver’s advantage.
Denver Nuggets Player Performance Breakdown
Jamal Murray Takes Control as Scorer
Murray’s 30 points were the highest individual total of the game.
The official NBA recap confirms that he scored 30 points, while also recording two rebounds, two assists, and two three-pointers.
His scoring was especially valuable because Denver’s overall three-point shooting was not efficient.
When outside shooting is inconsistent, having a primary guard capable of creating points in other ways becomes extremely important.
Murray supplied that scoring stability.
Nikola Jokic Controls Multiple Areas
Jokic finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
His 7-of-10 shooting was also highly efficient.
The important part of his performance was not simply the 18 points. His rebounding and passing helped Denver maintain offensive balance.
An eight-assist performance from a center also changes how a defense must approach Denver.
Defenders cannot simply focus on stopping Jokic’s scoring because his passing can create opportunities for teammates.
Aaron Gordon’s +32
Aaron Gordon’s +32 was the best plus/minus mark in the game.
Plus/minus should never be treated as a complete measurement of individual performance, especially in preseason basketball. However, a +32 in a seven-point final victory is still worth noting.
It indicates that Denver had a substantial scoring advantage during Gordon’s minutes.
That figure supports the broader impression that Denver’s starting group established control early.
Starting Lineups
Denver’s listed starting five was:
- Aaron Gordon
- Cameron Johnson
- Nikola Jokic
- Jamal Murray
- Christian Braun
Chicago’s starting five was:
- Isaac Okoro
- Matas Buzelis
- Nikola Vucevic
- Ayo Dosunmu
- Josh Giddey
These starting groups also help explain the tactical shape of the game.
Denver had multiple players capable of creating offense through passing and interior play, while Chicago had a combination of Giddey’s playmaking, Vucevic’s interior presence, and Buzelis’ scoring ability.
The Importance of Ball Security
Turnovers were one of the clearest statistical separators.
Chicago committed 18 turnovers.
Denver committed nine.
That is not a small difference.
When one team turns the ball over twice as often as the opponent, the opposing team receives extra opportunities to score without needing to win the shooting battle.
Denver also converted those opportunities into seven steals and 14 fast-break points.
Chicago had seven fast-break points.
The Nuggets therefore gained a meaningful advantage from creating offense after defensive events.
Shooting Efficiency vs Possession Efficiency
This game is an excellent example of why analysts should not rely on one percentage.
Chicago shot:
- 51 percent overall
- 34 percent from three
- 79 percent from the line
Denver shot:
- 43 percent overall
- 27 percent from three
- 90 percent from the line
If field-goal shooting were the only consideration, Chicago’s numbers would look superior.
But Denver generated more scoring through free throws and protected possessions better.
The result demonstrates the difference between shooting efficiency and overall possession efficiency.
A team can shoot better and still lose when it turns the ball over frequently and allows the opponent to earn substantially more free throws.
Rebounding Battle
Chicago won the rebounding battle 43-37.
That six-rebound advantage did not translate into a victory.
This is another useful lesson from the matchup.
Rebounding is valuable, but the quality of the possessions created from those rebounds matters.
Chicago’s offensive rebounding and total rebounding advantage could not overcome the turnover and free-throw disadvantages.
Vucevic’s 10 rebounds were particularly important, but Denver found other ways to control the game.
Assists and Offensive Creation
Chicago recorded 31 assists.
Denver recorded 26.
That difference shows the Bulls were not simply relying on isolation scoring.
Giddey, Vucevic, Zach Collins, and Coby White all contributed to Chicago’s passing production, with Giddey, Collins, and White each recording six assists according to the supplied game data.
Denver’s offense, meanwhile, was led by the combination of Murray’s scoring and Jokic’s all-around playmaking.
Jokic’s eight assists were particularly important because they allowed Denver to generate offense even when its outside shooting was not efficient.
What the Fourth Quarter Tells Us
The fourth quarter deserves separate attention.
Chicago won it 34-20.
Denver’s 20-point fourth quarter was its lowest scoring period of the game.
That suggests the final score should not be interpreted as a complete reflection of how competitive the game was over all 48 minutes.
Denver’s early control was decisive.
Chicago’s late response was also significant.
The Bulls demonstrated enough offensive production to turn what could have been a runaway game into a seven-point final.
This is one reason quarter-by-quarter data is more informative than simply looking at the final score.
Preseason Context Matters
It is important not to overinterpret one preseason game.
Preseason contests are often used to evaluate combinations, rotations, young players, conditioning, and tactical ideas.
Minutes and roles may differ from what a team would use in a regular-season game.
Therefore, the best way to use these numbers is as evidence of what happened in this specific matchup rather than as proof of how either team would perform over an entire season.
The official NBA recap confirms that Denver moved to 3-1 in preseason while Chicago dropped to 2-2.
Key Statistical Takeaways
The most important numbers from the matchup can be summarized as follows:
- Denver won 124-117.
- Jamal Murray led all scorers with 30 points.
- Josh Giddey led Chicago with 25 points.
- Nikola Jokic recorded 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
- Nikola Vucevic led the game in rebounds with 10.
- Aaron Gordon recorded the game’s best plus/minus at +32.
- Chicago shot 51 percent from the field.
- Denver shot 43 percent from the field.
- Chicago made 13 three-pointers.
- Denver made nine three-pointers.
- Denver made 37 free throws.
- Chicago made 22 free throws.
- Denver committed nine turnovers.
- Chicago committed 18 turnovers.
- Chicago won the rebounding battle 43-37.
- Chicago won the fourth quarter 34-20.
- Denver led by as many as 24 points.
These numbers explain why the game cannot be accurately analyzed by looking at field-goal percentage alone.
What Fans Should Watch in Similar Matchups
When evaluating future Nuggets and Bulls games, several categories are especially useful.
Watch the Free-Throw Differential
Free throws can completely change the result when perimeter shooting is inconsistent.
A large advantage in free-throw attempts can compensate for a lower field-goal percentage.
Watch Turnovers
Turnover margin is often one of the fastest ways to identify which team is controlling possession quality.
Denver’s nine turnovers compared with Chicago’s 18 were a major part of this result.
Watch Jokic’s Assist Numbers
Jokic’s scoring total does not always tell the complete story.
His passing can determine the quality of Denver’s offense because his assists create open shots and advantageous situations for teammates.
Watch Giddey’s Rebounding and Playmaking
Giddey’s value can extend beyond scoring.
His 25-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance shows how his influence can spread across multiple statistical categories.
Watch Fourth-Quarter Performance
Chicago’s 34-point fourth quarter demonstrated that late-game production can significantly alter the final margin.
For future matchups, fourth-quarter shot quality, turnovers, and defensive execution are worth monitoring closely.
How to Read This Box Score Correctly
A useful approach is to divide the numbers into four categories.
Scoring: Look at points, field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
Possession: Look at turnovers, steals, and offensive rebounds.
Creation: Look at assists and secondary playmaking.
Control: Look at rebounds, blocks, and plus/minus.
Using this framework makes it easier to understand why Denver won despite several statistical disadvantages.
Chicago was more efficient from the field.
Denver was more efficient at the free-throw line.
Chicago had more rebounds and assists.
Denver protected possessions better.
Chicago had more blocks.
Denver generated more steals and transition points.
The final result came from the combined effect of those categories rather than one isolated statistic.
denver nuggets vs chicago bulls match player stats: Final Analysis
The denver nuggets vs chicago bulls match player stats provide a useful example of how a basketball game can be won without dominating every traditional statistical category.
Denver’s biggest strengths were clear. Jamal Murray provided elite scoring production with 30 points. Nikola Jokic contributed across scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Aaron Gordon posted the best plus/minus of the contest. Most importantly, Denver protected the ball and converted its free throws at an exceptional rate.
Chicago also had several strong performances. Josh Giddey produced 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Matas Buzelis scored 20 points efficiently. Nikola Vucevic controlled the glass with 10 rebounds and added four assists. The Bulls also shot 51 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle.
The deciding factors were therefore not simple shooting percentages.
Denver’s nine turnovers compared with Chicago’s 18 gave the Nuggets a major possession advantage. Denver also made 15 more free throws than Chicago. Those two areas helped offset the Bulls’ superior field-goal and three-point percentages.
The quarter-by-quarter result adds another layer to the story. Denver scored 37 points in both the first and third quarters, creating a significant cushion. Chicago responded with 34 points in the fourth, but that rally came too late to erase the damage from the earlier periods.
For readers studying individual performances, Murray’s scoring, Jokic’s all-around production, Giddey’s versatility, Vucevic’s rebounding, and Gordon’s +32 stand out. For readers studying team performance, turnovers and free throws are arguably even more revealing.
Ultimately, Denver’s 124-117 preseason victory was a reminder that the best statistical analysis goes beyond asking which team shot better. The more useful question is how each team converted possessions into points, how often it gave possessions away, and which players influenced the game in multiple ways.
The official NBA game record is the best reference point for the final score, box score, game leaders, and play-by-play information. NBA official game record
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the top scorer in the Nuggets vs Bulls game?
Jamal Murray was the top scorer, finishing with 30 points for Denver. Josh Giddey led Chicago with 25 points.
What was the final score between the Nuggets and Bulls?
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Chicago Bulls 124-117 in the 2025 NBA preseason.
How many points did Nikola Jokic score?
Nikola Jokic scored 18 points. He also recorded 8 rebounds and 8 assists.
Who led the game in rebounds?
Nikola Vucevic led all players with 10 rebounds. Nikola Jokic was Denver’s top rebounder with 8.
Who had the most assists?
Nikola Jokic led Denver with 8 assists. Josh Giddey led Chicago with 6 assists, while Zach Collins and Coby White also recorded 6 assists.
Why did Denver win despite shooting worse?
Denver overcame its lower field-goal percentage through superior free-throw production, fewer turnovers, more steals, and stronger control during the first three quarters.
Conclusion
The Nuggets’ 124-117 victory over the Bulls was shaped by efficiency in areas that are easy to overlook when focusing only on shooting percentages.
Chicago shot 51 percent from the field and won the rebounding battle, while Denver shot 43 percent and made only nine three-pointers. Yet Denver created a substantial advantage through free throws and ball security.
Jamal Murray’s 30 points provided the primary scoring punch. Nikola Jokic supplied 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Aaron Gordon’s +32 reflected Denver’s strong performance during his minutes. For Chicago, Josh Giddey’s 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists stood out, while Nikola Vucevic’s 10 rebounds and Matas Buzelis’ 20 points were important contributions.
The most revealing team numbers were Denver’s 37 made free throws and nine turnovers compared with Chicago’s 22 made free throws and 18 turnovers. Those figures demonstrate why the final score favored Denver despite Chicago’s stronger shooting percentages.
For anyone reviewing denver nuggets vs chicago bulls match player stats, the broader lesson is clear: a complete box-score analysis requires more than looking at points and field-goal percentage. Possession management, free throws, playmaking, defensive events, and the timing of scoring runs can explain the outcome far better than one headline statistic.
