The Warriors vs Bulls clash ended in a shock result on Tuesday night as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Golden State Warriors 130–124 in overtime at Chase Centre in San Francisco.
Golden State appeared on course to secure victory late in regulation but missed a crucial free throw before conceding two late foul shots that sent the game to overtime.
The defeat marks the Warriors’ second straight loss to a struggling opponent, raising concerns about their ability to close out games as the NBA season enters a critical phase.
What Happened in the Warriors vs Bulls Game?
Golden State entered the match hoping to recover from a disappointing defeat against the Utah Jazz the previous night. Instead, the team produced another frustrating performance against a Chicago side widely viewed as rebuilding this season.
The game remained tight throughout regulation. The Warriors briefly looked in control during the closing seconds, but Chicago forced overtime and dominated the extra period, outscoring Golden State 12–6 to secure a 130–124 victory.
MASSIVE from Josh in an OT WIN!!!
Monster Triple-Double that tied his career high in assists as the Bulls took down the Warriors 130-124#NBAHighlights pic.twitter.com/nwrrQL3nXL
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) March 11, 2026
Chicago’s standout performer was Matas Buzelis, who delivered a remarkable display with 41 points on 16-of-28 shooting. His aggressive scoring proved difficult for the Warriors’ defence to contain.
Meanwhile, Josh Giddey produced a triple-double, contributing across multiple areas of the game.
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Giddey | 21 | 17 | 13 |
For Golden State, the scoring load was spread across several players. Gui Santos, Kristaps Porzingis, LJ Cryer and Pat Spencer each scored 17 points, but the team lacked a dominant offensive leader in the decisive moments.
Why Couldn’t the Warriors Close the Game?
The key turning point came in the final seconds of regulation. Golden State held a 117–116 lead with eight seconds remaining when LJ Cryer stepped to the free-throw line. He made the first shot but missed the second, leaving Chicago with a final chance.
Moments later, Draymond Green fouled Jalen Smith during Chicago’s last possession. Smith converted both free throws with just 1.4 seconds left, tying the game and forcing overtime.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team’s repeated difficulty in finishing close matches.
“We just couldn’t close it out. You’ve got to finish. And we haven’t finished either of the past two nights,” Kerr said after the game.
Once overtime began, Chicago quickly seized control while the Warriors struggled to generate consistent offence.
Did Fatigue Play a Role in the Warriors’ Performance?
Scheduling may have contributed to Golden State’s struggles. The Warriors were playing their second game in two nights, returning home after travelling from Utah.
The team looked sluggish early and fell 13 points behind. Although they rallied late in the fourth quarter, their energy appeared to fade in overtime.
The loss also had a significant impact on Golden State’s season record. The defeat pushed the Warriors below a .500 winning percentage for the first time since 20 December, when they stood at 14–15.
Which Warriors Players Performed Well Despite the Loss?
One bright spot for Golden State was Gary Payton II, who provided a strong effort on both ends of the floor.
The guard recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, leading the team in rebounding despite standing just 6ft 2in tall. His three offensive rebounds created several second-chance scoring opportunities, including multiple put-back dunks.
Payton’s energy helped Golden State stay competitive during the second half, even as Chicago maintained pressure.
Why Was De’Anthony Melton Absent From the Game?
A surprising statistic from the Warriors vs Bulls match was the absence of De’Anthony Melton, who did not play a single minute.
The Warriors had limited his involvement in the previous game against Utah specifically so he could contribute in the back-to-back schedule. However, he remained on the bench throughout the Bulls game.
Golden State also rested Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford in Utah to ensure both were available for Chicago. Despite those rotation decisions, the team still suffered consecutive losses.
What Comes Next for Golden State?
The Warriors now face a challenging run of fixtures. They will host the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by star guard Anthony Edwards, on Friday in their final home game before an extended road stretch.
Golden State will then embark on a five-game road trip, including multiple back-to-back contests.
However, the biggest development for the team may arrive before the next match. Steph Curry, who has missed 15 consecutive games with a knee injury, is scheduled to undergo a medical re-evaluation on Wednesday.
His potential return could significantly change the Warriors’ attacking structure.
