Golden State ripped through Chicago tonight. The Warriors hammered the Bulls 123 to 91 at the United Center, never trailing and never easing up. It was their biggest win of the season and their first wire to wire performance. The headline was depth. The bench took the game by the throat while a key starter returned and set the tone.
The bench owned the night
Golden State hit the gas from the jump. The Warriors won the first quarter 38 to 25, then squeezed Chicago with layered defense. Every reserve who checked in brought force and focus.
Brandin Podziemski led the second unit with 21 points, cutting and sniping in rhythm. Quinten Post pounded the paint for 19, sealing inside and popping outside when needed. Pat Spencer gave the Warriors a two way jolt, stacking 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists with control.
- Bench leaders, Podziemski 21, Post 19, Spencer 12, 5, and 6
Golden State closed the door with a 20 to 2 run late in the fourth. The Bulls never found a response. The Warriors shared the ball, filled lanes, and swarmed to the glass. It looked like classic strength in numbers, rebuilt for this roster. The box score said blowout. The eye test said buy in.
Largest margin this season, and the first wire to wire win for Golden State.
Butler returns, the edges sharpen
Jimmy Butler III returned after two games out and brought order to the chaos. He posted 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, then layered on smart switches and hard drives. He kept possessions alive on the glass and hunted mismatches without forcing shots.
More than the line, his pace changed the group. He steadied the second unit, gave Podziemski a partner in the half court, and trusted the bigs. His knee looked strong. His voice was louder. On a night when stars were still missing, Butler gave this team a clear lead guard presence.
Rotation shockwaves are here
The rotation is tightening, and the choices are loud. Jonathan Kuminga was healthy but did not play. That is not about talent. It is about fit, roles, and timing as veterans edge closer to returns. Minutes will be earned, and they will be scarce.
Stephen Curry is expected back when the Warriors host the Timberwolves on Friday. Draymond Green and Al Horford are also nearing returns. That means more structure, more responsibilities, and fewer open slots. Tonight, Gui Santos and Gary Payton II types carved out impact with defense and cutting. Post and Spencer showed they can anchor bench lineups. The staff is sending a clear message. Do the job, or someone else will.
The bench just made a strong case to stay in the mix when the stars return.
Bulls bruised and searching
Chicago is battling more than a cold shooting night. Rookie forward Noa Essengue has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Several rotation players are day to day. That reality showed up in the Bulls second unit, which struggled to create clean looks and to finish at the rim.
The starters worked to keep pace, but the energy gaps were hard to hide. The United Center crowd tried to lift the group. The Warriors kept answering with stops and simple, sharp offense. Chicago needs bodies, and it needs time. Both are hard to find in December.
What it means, and what is next
This win moves Golden State to 13 and 12. It also hands the coaching staff a healthy dilemma. The bench produced. Butler’s return clicked. The team identity looked like effort first, pass first, defend first. Now comes the hard part, folding back in a future Hall of Famer and two veteran anchors without losing this edge.
- Next game, Warriors host the Timberwolves on Friday, Stephen Curry is expected to return
Frequently Asked Questions
Q, Was this the Warriors biggest win of the season
A, Yes. The 123 to 91 result is their largest margin so far, and it was wire to wire.
Q, Who led the Warriors in scoring off the bench
A, Brandin Podziemski scored 21 points. Quinten Post added 19. Pat Spencer delivered a balanced 12, 5, and 6.
Q, How did Jimmy Butler III look in his return
A, Strong and composed. He posted 19, 8, and 6, organized the offense, and defended with force.
Q, Why did Jonathan Kuminga not play
A, He was healthy, but the staff tightened the rotation. With Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford nearing returns, minutes are under heavy competition.
Q, What is the latest for the Bulls injury picture
A, Rookie Noa Essengue is out for the season. Several others are day to day, which has thinned the rotation.
The Warriors did not just win, they showed a roadmap. Defend, run, share, and let role players shine. Add Curry’s shot making and Draymond’s structure, and the ceiling rises fast. Tonight in Chicago, depth saved the day, and it might have reset the season. 🏀
