The 2009-10 Chicago Bulls season was a roller-coaster ride that showcased both the potential and the challenges facing the team. Under the guidance of head coach Vinny Del Negro, the Bulls ended the regular season with a 41-41 record, securing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The season was notable for the continued emergence of Derrick Rose, the number one overall pick from the 2008 NBA Draft, who demonstrated his ability to lead the team as a dynamic point guard. Rose’s development was crucial for the Bulls, as he averaged 20.8 points and 6 assists per game, earning his first All-Star selection.
Alongside Rose, Joakim Noah established himself as a defensive anchor and a relentless rebounder, averaging a double-double with 10.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. The roster also featured key contributions from players like Luol Deng, who provided scoring and defensive versatility, and Kirk Hinrich, known for his tenacity and leadership on the court. However, the Bulls struggled with consistency throughout the season, battling injuries and fluctuating performances that impacted their playoff positioning.
In the playoffs, the Bulls faced the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James. Although Chicago fought valiantly, they were ultimately overpowered by the Cavaliers, losing the series in five games. Despite the first-round exit, the season was seen as a stepping stone for the Bulls. It highlighted the need for additional talent to complement Rose’s burgeoning stardom and indicated areas for improvement as the franchise looked to build a contender.
The 2009-10 season set the stage for future success, as the Bulls would make significant moves in the following offseason, including the hiring of Tom Thibodeau as head coach and the acquisition of key players. These changes would soon transform the Bulls into one of the top teams in the NBA, with Derrick Rose at the forefront of their resurgence.
- Regular Season Record: 41-41
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 1-4
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 2009-10 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Derrick Rose | 78 | 20.8 | 3.8 | 6.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 26.7 | 5 | 26.8 | 3.4 | 7.2 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Luol Deng | 70 | 17.6 | 7.3 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 38.6 | 5 | 18.8 | 5.0 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 8.3 |
| John Salmons | 51 | 12.7 | 3.4 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 38.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Kirk Hinrich | 74 | 10.9 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 37.1 | 5 | 12.4 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Joakim Noah | 64 | 10.7 | 11.0 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 5 | 14.8 | 13.0 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.0 |
| Ronald Murray | 29 | 10.1 | 2.9 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 31.1 | 5 | 8.4 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Taj Gibson | 82 | 9.0 | 7.5 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 5 | 7.6 | 7.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Tyrus Thomas | 29 | 8.8 | 6.3 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Brad Miller | 82 | 8.8 | 4.9 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 28.0 | 5 | 5.4 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Hakim Warrick | 28 | 8.7 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 3 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Acie Law | 12 | 5.5 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 33.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jannero Pargo | 63 | 5.5 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 27.5 | 2 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| James Johnson | 65 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 32.6 | 4 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Aaron Gray | 8 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Chris Richard | 18 | 2.1 | 3.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 2 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Devin Brown | 11 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 23.5 | 1 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Lindsey Hunter | 13 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 7.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Joe Alexander | 8 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Chicago Bulls in the 2010 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulls struggled to contain LeBron James, who was at the peak of his powers, ultimately falling to the Cavaliers in five games. Derrick Rose showcased his emerging talent, but the Bulls were outmatched by Cleveland's depth and experience.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 96-83 | |
| Apr 19, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 112-102 | |
| Apr 22, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 108-106 | |
| Apr 25, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 121-98 | |
| Apr 27, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 96-94 |
Chicago Bulls 2009-10 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2009-10 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2009 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 92-85 | |
| Oct 30, 2009 | @ Boston Celtics | L 118-90 | |
| Nov 01, 2009 | @ Miami Heat | L 95-87 | |
| Nov 03, 2009 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 83-81 | |
| Nov 05, 2009 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 86-85 | |
| Nov 07, 2009 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 93-90 | |
| Nov 10, 2009 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 90-89 | |
| Nov 11, 2009 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 99-89 | |
| Nov 14, 2009 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 94-88 | |
| Nov 17, 2009 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 101-87 | |
| Nov 19, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 108-93 | |
| Nov 21, 2009 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 112-93 | |
| Nov 23, 2009 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 122-98 | |
| Nov 26, 2009 | @ Utah Jazz | L 105-86 | |
| Nov 30, 2009 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 99-97 | |
| Dec 02, 2009 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 92-85 | |
| Dec 04, 2009 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 101-87 | |
| Dec 05, 2009 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 110-78 | |
| Dec 08, 2009 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 103-101 | |
| Dec 09, 2009 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 118-83 | |
| Dec 11, 2009 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 96-91 | |
| Dec 12, 2009 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 106-80 | |
| Dec 15, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 96-87 | |
| Dec 17, 2009 | vs. New York Knicks | W 98-89 | |
| Dec 19, 2009 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 101-98 | |
| Dec 21, 2009 | vs. Sacramento Kings | L 102-98 | |
| Dec 22, 2009 | @ New York Knicks | L 88-81 | |
| Dec 26, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 96-85 | |
| Dec 29, 2009 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 104-95 | |
| Dec 31, 2009 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 98-87 | |
| Jan 02, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 101-93 | |
| Jan 04, 2010 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | L 98-85 | |
| Jan 05, 2010 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | L 113-108 | |
| Jan 08, 2010 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 96-93 | |
| Jan 09, 2010 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 110-96 | |
| Jan 11, 2010 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 120-87 | |
| Jan 14, 2010 | @ Boston Celtics | W 96-83 | |
| Jan 15, 2010 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 121-119 | |
| Jan 18, 2010 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 114-97 | |
| Jan 20, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 104-97 | |
| Jan 22, 2010 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 115-104 | |
| Jan 23, 2010 | @ Houston Rockets | W 104-97 | |
| Jan 25, 2010 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 98-93 | |
| Jan 27, 2010 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 96-86 | |
| Jan 29, 2010 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 108-106 | |
| Feb 02, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 90-82 | |
| Feb 03, 2010 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 106-103 | |
| Feb 05, 2010 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 91-81 | |
| Feb 06, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | W 95-91 | |
| Feb 09, 2010 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 109-101 | |
| Feb 10, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 107-87 | |
| Feb 16, 2010 | vs. New York Knicks | W 118-85 | |
| Feb 17, 2010 | @ New York Knicks | W 115-109 | |
| Feb 19, 2010 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 100-94 | |
| Feb 20, 2010 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 122-90 | |
| Feb 22, 2010 | @ Washington Wizards | L 101-95 | |
| Feb 24, 2010 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 120-110 | |
| Feb 26, 2010 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 115-111 | |
| Feb 27, 2010 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 100-90 | |
| Mar 01, 2010 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 116-92 | |
| Mar 04, 2010 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 105-96 | |
| Mar 06, 2010 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 122-116 | |
| Mar 09, 2010 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 132-108 | |
| Mar 11, 2010 | @ Orlando Magic | L 111-82 | |
| Mar 12, 2010 | @ Miami Heat | L 108-95 | |
| Mar 16, 2010 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 104-97 | |
| Mar 17, 2010 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 113-106 | |
| Mar 19, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 92-85 | |
| Mar 20, 2010 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 98-84 | |
| Mar 22, 2010 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 98-88 | |
| Mar 25, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | L 103-74 | |
| Mar 27, 2010 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 106-83 | |
| Mar 28, 2010 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 110-103 | |
| Mar 30, 2010 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 111-105 | |
| Apr 02, 2010 | @ Washington Wizards | W 95-87 | |
| Apr 03, 2010 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 96-88 | |
| Apr 06, 2010 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 79-74 | |
| Apr 08, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 109-108 | |
| Apr 09, 2010 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 127-116 | |
| Apr 11, 2010 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 104-88 | |
| Apr 13, 2010 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 101-93 | |
| Apr 14, 2010 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 98-89 |
