The 2010-11 Chicago Bulls season marked a significant resurgence for the franchise, igniting memories of their dominant 1990s era. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive acumen, the Bulls transformed into a formidable force in the NBA. The team finished the regular season with a league-best 62-20 record, showcasing a balance of tenacious defense and efficient offense, a hallmark of Thibodeau’s coaching style.
The season’s centerpiece was Derrick Rose, the electrifying point guard who became the youngest player in NBA history to win the Most Valuable Player award at just 22 years old. Rose’s stellar play, characterized by his explosive drives and clutch performances, was instrumental in the Bulls’ success. He averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, providing leadership and a consistent scoring threat.
Complementing Rose was a well-rounded roster that included Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Carlos Boozer. Deng’s versatility on both ends of the floor, Noah’s relentless energy and defensive prowess, and Boozer’s scoring in the post were critical components of the Bulls’ effective system. The bench, led by Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver, and C.J. Watson, provided valuable support, making the Bulls one of the deepest teams in the league.
In the playoffs, the Bulls advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, their first appearance since the Michael Jordan era. However, they fell to the Miami Heat, led by the formidable trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, in five games. Despite the disappointment, the season was a success, reaffirming the Bulls’ status as a championship contender for years to come. This season laid the groundwork for future aspirations, as Chicago’s blend of youthful talent and gritty defense captivated fans and re-established the team as a powerhouse in the NBA.
- Regular Season Record: 62-20
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Eastern Conference Finals: 1-4
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 2010-11 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Derrick Rose | 81 | 25.0 | 4.1 | 7.7 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 33.2 | 16 | 27.1 | 4.3 | 7.7 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 24.8 |
| Carlos Boozer | 59 | 17.5 | 9.6 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 16 | 12.6 | 9.7 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Luol Deng | 82 | 17.4 | 5.8 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 34.5 | 16 | 16.9 | 6.6 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 32.4 |
| Joakim Noah | 48 | 11.7 | 10.4 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 16 | 8.7 | 10.2 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 0.0 |
| Kyle Korver | 82 | 8.3 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 41.5 | 16 | 6.6 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 42.3 |
| Taj Gibson | 80 | 7.1 | 5.7 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 12.5 | 16 | 5.9 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 0.0 |
| Ronnie Brewer | 81 | 6.2 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 22.2 | 16 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 42.9 |
| C.J. Watson | 82 | 4.9 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 39.3 | 16 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 20.0 |
| Keith Bogans | 82 | 4.4 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 38.0 | 16 | 5.1 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 42.4 |
| Kurt Thomas | 52 | 4.1 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 100.0 | 7 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| James Johnson | 13 | 3.2 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 22.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Ömer Aşık | 82 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 15 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Rasual Butler | 6 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 57.1 | 3 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Brian Scalabrine | 18 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| John Lucas III | 2 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Chicago Bulls in the 2011 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Indiana Pacers
In the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Indiana Pacers, showcasing their regular-season dominance as the Eastern Conference's top seed. Led by MVP Derrick Rose, the Bulls won the series 4-1, although the games were highly competitive, with the Pacers putting up a tough fight. Rose's explosive performances, including a 39-point effort in Game 1, were pivotal in overcoming Indiana's resilience and setting the tone for Chicago's playoff run.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 16, 2011 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 104-99 | |
| Apr 18, 2011 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 96-90 | |
| Apr 21, 2011 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 88-84 | |
| Apr 23, 2011 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 89-84 | |
| Apr 26, 2011 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 116-89 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Atlanta Hawks
In the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Atlanta Hawks in the second round, securing a 4-2 series victory. Led by MVP Derrick Rose, who dazzled with his explosiveness and playmaking, the Bulls showcased their defensive prowess under coach Tom Thibodeau. Key performances from Luol Deng and Joakim Noah complemented Rose's heroics, propelling Chicago to the Eastern Conference Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 02, 2011 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 103-95 | |
| May 04, 2011 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 86-73 | |
| May 06, 2011 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 99-82 | |
| May 08, 2011 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 100-88 | |
| May 10, 2011 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 95-83 | |
| May 12, 2011 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 93-73 |
2011 Conference Championship vs. Miami Heat
In the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their deepest playoff run since the Michael Jordan era. Led by a dynamic Derrick Rose, who won the MVP award that season, the Bulls secured the top seed in the East but faced a formidable Miami Heat team. Despite their strong regular season performance, the Bulls fell to the Heat in five games, as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade proved too much for Chicago’s defense to handle.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | W 103-82 | |
| May 18, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | L 85-75 | |
| May 22, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | L 96-85 | |
| May 24, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | L 101-93 | |
| May 26, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | L 83-80 |
Chicago Bulls 2010-11 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2010-11 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2010 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 106-95 | |
| Oct 30, 2010 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 101-91 | |
| Nov 01, 2010 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 110-98 | |
| Nov 04, 2010 | vs. New York Knicks | L 120-112 | |
| Nov 05, 2010 | @ Boston Celtics | L 110-105 | |
| Nov 08, 2010 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 94-92 | |
| Nov 11, 2010 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 120-90 | |
| Nov 13, 2010 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 103-96 | |
| Nov 16, 2010 | @ Houston Rockets | W 95-92 | |
| Nov 17, 2010 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 103-94 | |
| Nov 19, 2010 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 88-83 | |
| Nov 23, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 98-91 | |
| Nov 24, 2010 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 123-115 | |
| Nov 26, 2010 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 98-97 | |
| Nov 27, 2010 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 96-85 | |
| Dec 01, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 107-78 | |
| Dec 03, 2010 | @ Boston Celtics | L 104-92 | |
| Dec 04, 2010 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 119-116 | |
| Dec 06, 2010 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 99-90 | |
| Dec 08, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 88-83 | |
| Dec 10, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 88-84 | |
| Dec 11, 2010 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 113-82 | |
| Dec 13, 2010 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 92-73 | |
| Dec 15, 2010 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 110-93 | |
| Dec 18, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 100-99 | |
| Dec 21, 2010 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 121-76 | |
| Dec 22, 2010 | @ Washington Wizards | W 87-80 | |
| Dec 25, 2010 | @ New York Knicks | L 103-95 | |
| Dec 26, 2010 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 95-92 | |
| Dec 28, 2010 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 90-77 | |
| Dec 31, 2010 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 90-81 | |
| Jan 01, 2011 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 100-91 | |
| Jan 04, 2011 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 111-91 | |
| Jan 05, 2011 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 96-94 | |
| Jan 07, 2011 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 105-99 | |
| Jan 08, 2011 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 90-79 | |
| Jan 10, 2011 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 95-82 | |
| Jan 12, 2011 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | L 96-91 | |
| Jan 14, 2011 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 99-86 | |
| Jan 15, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | W 99-96 | |
| Jan 17, 2011 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 96-84 | |
| Jan 18, 2011 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | L 83-82 | |
| Jan 20, 2011 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 82-77 | |
| Jan 22, 2011 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 92-79 | |
| Jan 24, 2011 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 92-83 | |
| Jan 28, 2011 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 99-90 | |
| Jan 29, 2011 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 110-89 | |
| Feb 02, 2011 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-88 | |
| Feb 05, 2011 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 101-90 | |
| Feb 07, 2011 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 109-103 | |
| Feb 09, 2011 | @ Utah Jazz | W 91-86 | |
| Feb 12, 2011 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 97-88 | |
| Feb 15, 2011 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 106-94 | |
| Feb 17, 2011 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 109-99 | |
| Feb 23, 2011 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 118-113 | |
| Feb 24, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | W 93-89 | |
| Feb 26, 2011 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 83-75 | |
| Feb 28, 2011 | @ Washington Wizards | W 105-77 | |
| Mar 02, 2011 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 83-80 | |
| Mar 04, 2011 | @ Orlando Magic | W 89-81 | |
| Mar 06, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | W 87-86 | |
| Mar 07, 2011 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 85-77 | |
| Mar 09, 2011 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 101-84 | |
| Mar 11, 2011 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 94-76 | |
| Mar 12, 2011 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 118-100 | |
| Mar 15, 2011 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 98-79 | |
| Mar 17, 2011 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 84-73 | |
| Mar 18, 2011 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 115-108 | |
| Mar 21, 2011 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 132-92 | |
| Mar 22, 2011 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 114-81 | |
| Mar 25, 2011 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 99-96 | |
| Mar 26, 2011 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 95-87 | |
| Mar 28, 2011 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 97-85 | |
| Mar 30, 2011 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 108-91 | |
| Apr 01, 2011 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 101-96 | |
| Apr 02, 2011 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 113-106 | |
| Apr 05, 2011 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 97-94 | |
| Apr 07, 2011 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 97-81 | |
| Apr 08, 2011 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 93-82 | |
| Apr 10, 2011 | @ Orlando Magic | W 102-99 | |
| Apr 12, 2011 | @ New York Knicks | W 103-90 | |
| Apr 13, 2011 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 97-92 |