The Chicago Bulls’ championship banners have been removed following damage incurred during a recent concert at the United Center. This unfortunate incident marks another setback for a franchise struggling to regain its former glory, as they have played under-.500 basketball for seven of the last eight seasons. The iconic banners, celebrating the Bulls’ six championships from the 1990s, will not be displayed for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the damage was caused by pyrotechnics from a heavy metal concert featuring Three Days Grace, Sevendust, and Disturbed. The intense heat from the fireworks affected the fabric of the championship banners, leading to their removal.
The United Center has announced that they are collaborating with the Bulls to explore repair options for the damaged banners. “While the banners will not be in place for the remainder of this season, we do anticipate them being back in place next season,” stated the venue’s communications department.
In a twist of fortune, the Bulls managed to rally from a 12-point deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 116-110 at home on Thursday, led by Cody White’s game-high 31 points. This victory marked the Bulls’ fourth consecutive win, showcasing a glimmer of hope amidst a challenging season.
Currently, the Bulls sit at 28-38, holding the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Miami Heat by 1.5 games for the No. 9 seed but maintain a five-game cushion over the Toronto Raptors for the final play-in spot.
Earlier this season, the Bulls made headlines by trading two-time All-Star Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal. Following LaVine’s departure, both Cody White and Josh Giddey have stepped up significantly in their performances.
In the last 15 games, White has averaged 21.6 points per game, while Giddey has contributed 20.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and seven assists per game. Additionally, rookie Matas Buzelis, who struggled early in the season, has found his rhythm, averaging 12.5 points in 26.5 minutes over his last 19 games.
Interestingly, the Bulls have gone 3-0 since the removal of their championship banners. This raises an intriguing question: could this unexpected change be a catalyst for their recent success? While it may seem far-fetched, the numbers tell a compelling story of resilience and potential.
FOLLOW
Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
National Basketball Association
Chicago Bulls
