The 2014-15 Chicago Bulls season was marked by a mix of anticipation and resilience. With Derrick Rose returning to the squad after multiple injuries, hopes were high for the former MVP to regain his form and lead the team deep into the playoffs. The Bulls finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. This strong performance was driven by a balanced attack, featuring both veteran leadership and promising young talent.
One of the key storylines was the addition of Pau Gasol, who joined the Bulls as a free agent. Gasol made an immediate impact, averaging 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, and was selected for the NBA All-Star Game. His presence in the frontcourt, alongside Joakim Noah, provided the Bulls with a formidable defensive pairing. Jimmy Butler also emerged as a star, showcasing his two-way prowess by leading the team in scoring with 20 points per game and earning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Despite the positive regular season, the Bulls faced challenges in the playoffs. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round but were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series against the Cavaliers was hard-fought, highlighted by Rose’s game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 3. However, the Bulls ultimately fell short, losing the series in six games.
Throughout the season, head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized defensive intensity, which kept the Bulls competitive against top-tier teams. However, the team’s offensive struggles and recurring injury issues hindered their ability to advance further in the playoffs. Following the season, the Bulls decided to part ways with Thibodeau, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. Overall, the 2014-15 season was a mixture of optimism and unfulfilled potential for the Bulls, setting the stage for future changes.
- Regular Season Record: 50-32
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-2, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 2-4
Chicago Bulls Roster and Stats for 2014-15 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Jimmy Butler | 65 | 20.0 | 5.8 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 37.8 | 12 | 22.9 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 38.9 |
| Pau Gasol | 78 | 18.5 | 11.8 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 46.1 | 10 | 14.4 | 9.4 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 2.1 | 0.0 |
| Derrick Rose | 51 | 17.7 | 3.2 | 4.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 28.0 | 12 | 20.3 | 4.8 | 6.5 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 34.8 |
| Aaron Brooks | 82 | 11.6 | 2.0 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 38.7 | 12 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 30.8 |
| Taj Gibson | 62 | 10.3 | 6.4 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 12 | 7.4 | 5.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Nikola Mirotić | 82 | 10.2 | 4.9 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 31.6 | 11 | 5.7 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 23.3 |
| Mike Dunleavy | 63 | 9.4 | 3.9 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 40.7 | 12 | 10.9 | 4.0 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 48.2 |
| Joakim Noah | 67 | 7.2 | 9.6 | 4.7 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 12 | 5.8 | 11.0 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Tony Snell | 72 | 6.0 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 37.1 | 11 | 3.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 33.3 |
| Kirk Hinrich | 66 | 5.7 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 34.5 | 10 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 60.0 |
| Doug McDermott | 36 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 31.7 | 3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| E'Twaun Moore | 56 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 34.2 | 3 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Nazr Mohammed | 23 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 3 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| Cameron Bairstow | 18 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Chicago Bulls in the 2015 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks and emerged victorious in a six-game series. The Bulls showcased their depth and resilience, with Derrick Rose making a strong postseason return after multiple injuries, and Jimmy Butler stepping up as a key offensive force. Chicago's defense, led by Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol, stifled the young Bucks, culminating in a dominant 54-point victory in Game 6 to clinch the series.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 18, 2015 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 103-91 | |
| Apr 20, 2015 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 91-82 | |
| Apr 23, 2015 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-106 | |
| Apr 25, 2015 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 92-90 | |
| Apr 27, 2015 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 94-88 | |
| Apr 30, 2015 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 120-66 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2015 NBA Playoffs, the Chicago Bulls faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, showcasing a competitive series that went to six games. Despite strong performances from Derrick Rose, including a memorable game-winning buzzer-beater in Game 3, the Bulls were ultimately overpowered by LeBron James and the Cavaliers, who advanced after a decisive Game 6 victory. The series highlighted the Bulls' potential, but injuries and the Cavs' depth proved too much to overcome.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 2015 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 99-92 | |
| May 06, 2015 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 106-91 | |
| May 08, 2015 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 99-96 | |
| May 10, 2015 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 86-84 | |
| May 12, 2015 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 106-101 | |
| May 14, 2015 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 94-73 |
Chicago Bulls 2014-15 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2014-15 season for the Chicago Bulls.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2014 | @ New York Knicks | W 104-80 | |
| Oct 31, 2014 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 114-108 | |
| Nov 01, 2014 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 106-105 | |
| Nov 04, 2014 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 98-90 | |
| Nov 05, 2014 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 95-86 | |
| Nov 07, 2014 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 118-115 | |
| Nov 08, 2014 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 106-101 | |
| Nov 10, 2014 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 102-91 | |
| Nov 13, 2014 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 100-93 | |
| Nov 15, 2014 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 99-90 | |
| Nov 17, 2014 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 105-89 | |
| Nov 20, 2014 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 103-88 | |
| Nov 21, 2014 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 105-87 | |
| Nov 24, 2014 | @ Utah Jazz | W 97-95 | |
| Nov 25, 2014 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 114-109 | |
| Nov 28, 2014 | @ Boston Celtics | W 109-102 | |
| Nov 30, 2014 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 102-84 | |
| Dec 02, 2014 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 132-129 | |
| Dec 03, 2014 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 102-95 | |
| Dec 06, 2014 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 112-102 | |
| Dec 10, 2014 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 105-80 | |
| Dec 12, 2014 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 115-106 | |
| Dec 14, 2014 | @ Miami Heat | W 93-75 | |
| Dec 15, 2014 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 93-86 | |
| Dec 18, 2014 | vs. New York Knicks | W 103-97 | |
| Dec 19, 2014 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 103-97 | |
| Dec 22, 2014 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 129-120 | |
| Dec 23, 2014 | @ Washington Wizards | W 99-91 | |
| Dec 25, 2014 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 113-93 | |
| Dec 27, 2014 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 107-100 | |
| Dec 29, 2014 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 92-90 | |
| Dec 30, 2014 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | L 96-82 | |
| Jan 01, 2015 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 106-101 | |
| Jan 03, 2015 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 109-104 | |
| Jan 05, 2015 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 114-105 | |
| Jan 07, 2015 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 97-77 | |
| Jan 09, 2015 | @ Washington Wizards | L 102-86 | |
| Jan 10, 2015 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 95-87 | |
| Jan 12, 2015 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 121-114 | |
| Jan 14, 2015 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 105-99 | |
| Jan 16, 2015 | @ Boston Celtics | W 119-103 | |
| Jan 17, 2015 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 107-99 | |
| Jan 19, 2015 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 108-94 | |
| Jan 22, 2015 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 104-81 | |
| Jan 23, 2015 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 102-98 | |
| Jan 25, 2015 | vs. Miami Heat | L 96-84 | |
| Jan 27, 2015 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 113-111 | |
| Jan 29, 2015 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 123-118 | |
| Jan 30, 2015 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 99-93 | |
| Feb 04, 2015 | @ Houston Rockets | L 101-90 | |
| Feb 07, 2015 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | W 107-72 | |
| Feb 08, 2015 | @ Orlando Magic | W 98-97 | |
| Feb 10, 2015 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 104-86 | |
| Feb 12, 2015 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 113-98 | |
| Feb 20, 2015 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 100-91 | |
| Feb 21, 2015 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 112-107 | |
| Feb 23, 2015 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 87-71 | |
| Feb 25, 2015 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 98-86 | |
| Feb 27, 2015 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 96-89 | |
| Mar 01, 2015 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 96-86 | |
| Mar 03, 2015 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 97-92 | |
| Mar 05, 2015 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 108-105 | |
| Mar 06, 2015 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 98-84 | |
| Mar 08, 2015 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 116-105 | |
| Mar 09, 2015 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 101-91 | |
| Mar 11, 2015 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 104-95 | |
| Mar 13, 2015 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 101-91 | |
| Mar 15, 2015 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 109-100 | |
| Mar 18, 2015 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 103-86 | |
| Mar 20, 2015 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 108-92 | |
| Mar 21, 2015 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 107-91 | |
| Mar 23, 2015 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 98-86 | |
| Mar 25, 2015 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 116-103 | |
| Mar 28, 2015 | vs. New York Knicks | W 111-80 | |
| Apr 01, 2015 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 95-91 | |
| Apr 03, 2015 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 88-82 | |
| Apr 05, 2015 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 99-94 | |
| Apr 08, 2015 | @ Orlando Magic | L 105-103 | |
| Apr 09, 2015 | @ Miami Heat | W 89-78 | |
| Apr 11, 2015 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 114-107 | |
| Apr 13, 2015 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 113-86 | |
| Apr 15, 2015 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 91-85 |
