Tre Jones shines in Bulls’ surprising win over Cavaliers
The Chicago Bulls showcased an impressive turnaround against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and much of that can be attributed to the spark provided by Tre Jones. Coming off the bench, the guard played a pivotal role in helping the Bulls regain some of their early-season form. In just 24 minutes, Jones recorded a double-double with 11 points, 11 assists, and 3 steals, showcasing his all-around game.
Bench Production Makes a Difference
Jones’ impact was felt across various facets of the game. The Bulls enjoyed a 38-27 edge in bench points, underscoring the depth that Jones helped to amplify. They also outpaced the Cavaliers with a 24-15 advantage in fastbreak points and capitalized on turnovers to the tune of 21 points. This aggressive two-way approach from Jones was evident in every area of the box score.
His playmaking ability shone brightly, reminiscent of the Bulls’ early-season success, which was largely driven by fluid ball movement and an emphasis on equal opportunity offense. Jones’ relentless activity and swift decision-making proved contagious, as he facilitated scoring opportunities for eight different teammates. His highlight moment came when he connected with Zach Collins for an electrifying alley-oop slam, a signature play that exemplified the Bulls’ intended style of play.
A Rare Talent off the Bench
For context, Jones has now become the first Bulls player since DJ Augustin to record two games with 10 or more assists off the bench, a notable achievement that highlights the rarity of having such a high-level facilitator in the second unit.
But it wasn’t just on offense where Jones made his mark. The Bulls have struggled defensively throughout the season, and Jones has emerged as one of the most reliable defenders on the roster. His three steals not only generated 7 points for the team but also pushed his season total to 34 steals, just four shy of surpassing last year’s total. Currently, he ranks tied for the 13th-most steals in the NBA, illustrating his defensive prowess.
Context of the Season
While it may seem somewhat underwhelming to laud Jones’ performance in light of the Bulls’ 11-15 record, there are still significant narratives unfolding within this team. Players like Josh Giddey are developing, and Jones’ high-impact play in this upset victory represents the nuanced storylines that matter in a season marked by challenges.
In many ways, Tre Jones epitomizes the shrewd moves made by the Bulls’ front office. Despite facing criticism—justifiably so—the team’s strategy of signing young guards to cost-effective deals has yielded promising results. Following the successful acquisitions of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, the addition of Jones seems to be yet another win. The 25-year-old guard is set to earn only $24 million over the next three seasons, with a flat $8 million annual salary and a player option for the 2027-28 season. Given his current averages of 12.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per night, this contract appears to be a bargain in the current NBA landscape.
As the season progresses, Tre Jones continues to be a beacon of hope for the Bulls, embodying the potential for a brighter future in a season that has offered its fair share of challenges.
