By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

The Bulls use a stunning 27-0 surge against the Milwaukee Bucks to end an 11-game skid. Cam and K.C. break down how that momentum shift unfolded, and Josh Giddey records his first triple-double since December.  From there, the focus turns to what’s ahead, including a challenging West Coast swing with late-night matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. The conversation also highlights rookie Matas Buzelis and his steady presence all season, not just being durable but also embracing the learning curve and staying composed through the inevitable ups and downs.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ frustrating 10-game losing streak and what’s fueling the slide, from late-game execution to lineup adjustments. The guys also discuss the opportunity emerging from the skid, including the valuable minutes Rob Dillingham is logging and what that experience could mean for his long-term development in Chicago. They also dive into Matas Buzelis’ breakout 32-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets and what it says about his ceiling moving forward. Plus, former Bull Coby White makes his return to the United Center in a Hornets uniform for the first time since the trade, adding another emotional layer to a pivotal stretch of the season.

As the first half winds down, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson evaluate how the revamped Bulls roster is starting to take shape. With Anfernee Simons, Rob Dillingham, and Collin Sexton now in the mix, the focus shifts to late-game struggles, locker room accountability, and whether this group can finally close out tight contests. The conversation turns to which newcomer has captured their attention most, with Cam and K.C. each making their case and sharing a fun nugget about who Simons believes is the greatest of all time. They also preview Matas Buzelis showcase in the Rising Stars Game before looking ahead to the post–All-Star stretch.

The NBA Trade Deadline takes center stage as the crew breaks down where the Bulls stand coming out of a busy day and why the roster is still a work in progress. K.C. Johnson offers his perspective on what he called the "wildest deadline" he’s ever covered, setting the stage for how Chicago’s moves fit into the league-wide chaos. From there, the focus shifts to the newcomers, evaluating how players like Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham and others could shape both the Bulls’ present and long-term direction. The episode wraps up with a look back at the Bulls tenures of Nikola Vučević, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Javon Carter and Kevin Huerter, reflecting on their impact and what their departures mean for the franchise going forward.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson open the episode by reflecting on an emotional night at the United Center as the Derrick Rose jersey retirement takes center stage. They break down what the moment meant for Rose, the franchise, and the city, before diving into the on-court action that followed as the Chicago Bulls edged the Boston Celtics on Kevin Huerter’s game-winning shot. From there, the guys recap a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, sparked by a big first half from LeBron James and a double-double from Luka Dončić. They also highlight Coby White who is playing some of his best basketball of the season, Josh Giddey finding his rhythm since returning from injury, and Matas Buzelis earning another Rising Stars nod while opting out of the dunk contest. The episode wraps with a look ahead to a packed stretch of games, including multiple matchups with the Miami Heat and a visit from the Indiana Pacers, plus a debate on whether the Bulls should keep leaning into their effective double-big lineup.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson take a reflective look at the legacy of Derrick Rose, ahead of his jersey retirement, revisiting the moments that defined his journey from a Chicago prodigy to one of the most electrifying players of his era. The guys walk through his rise with the Chicago Bulls, from being selected No. 1 overall to the peak of his prime, while also acknowledging the challenges and lost time that shaped his career. The conversation expands beyond the court, touching on Rose’s early roots, his influence on basketball culture, and his impact in Chicago after his playing days, including his continued efforts to give back to the city. They also look ahead to the jersey retirement night against the Boston Celtics, and which familiar Bulls faces are expected to be in attendance for the momentous occasion.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ gritty win over Utah, punctuated by Nikola Vucevic's game-winner. The guys examine Billy Donovan’s rotation choices and discuss how Jalen Smith continues to carve out a meaningful role. The conversation also highlights Dalen Terry’s two-way spark, why Coby White is still searching for his offensive rhythm, and how it all fits into a demanding stretch of games ahead. To wrap it up, Cam and K.C. look ahead to a home-and-home with Brooklyn.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson take a closer look at the Bulls’ recent back-to-back games, breaking down what stood out from those matchups against the Hornets and Celtics. The conversation then turns to Coby White and how he continues to fight through his calf injury, before diving into Matas Buzelis’ continued emergence. Cam and K.C. also share a lighter moment from K.C.’s live TV countdown on-court collision. Plus, a look at the Bulls’ decision to sign Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract and how it fits into the team’s broader plans.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into a tough stretch for the Bulls, starting with Saturday night’s loss to the Bucks and the challenges that came with it. They discuss the impact of injuries, including Zach Collins, and dive into standout performances from Anthony Edwards and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with a closer look at Giannis’ dominant showing against Chicago. The conversation continues with Giannis’ late windmill dunk that sparked a postgame scuffle and a debate over whether it crossed the NBA’s unwritten rules. Cam and K.C. also recap Monday night’s loss to the Timberwolves, examine the injury concerns surrounding Coby White and Josh Giddey, and reflect on their own personal injury histories to put the latest developments into perspective.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ strong recent stretch, winning four of their last five and starting to look more settled as the roster gets healthier. They dive into how having all the bigs available has opened up more lineup and rotation flexibility, and what that means for Billy Donovan moving forward. The guys also discuss Matas Buzelis’ recent performances and why it feels like he may be turning a corner—easing some of the offensive pressure on Josh Giddey and Coby White in the process. Plus, a look ahead to a challenging six-game homestand against quality opponents, and K.C. wraps things up with a great story about how Rajon Rondo helped make him a better interviewer.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down arguably one of the Bulls’ most complete performances of the season, a win over the Cavaliers that marked Chicago’s largest margin of victory. They dive into Josh Giddey’s night—tying a career high in made threes while competing defensively to the final horn—and give love to Nikola Vučević for working his way out of a recent funk. The guys also discuss how a healthy Bulls roster could lead to a shift in the big-man rotation and how Chicago’s zone defense helped neutralize Cleveland on the boards. Plus, thoughts on two-game series as a playoff prep tool, Ayo Dosunmu’s nagging injuries and changing perspectives on the NBA Cup.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the Bulls’ seven-game losing streak and the defensive issues that continue to haunt them. They dive into Billy Donovan’s postgame comments after another tough loss to the Warriors, assess the latest injury updates, and break down what Chicago’s depth looks like moving forward. They also look ahead to another great opportunity to bounce back with games against Charlotte and New Orleans as the Bulls search for a momentum shift.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ latest setback in Orlando, extending the losing streak to four. They highlight Ayo Dosunmu’s shooting surge, Josh Giddey’s offseason work paying off with a more confident jumper, and the defensive lapses that keep resurfacing—especially around rim protection. They also look back at Tre Jones’ matchup against his brother and look ahead to what Chicago must tighten up during the upcoming three-game homestand.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson are back at it on the By The Horns podcast after a rollercoaster stretch for the Bulls. They break down what went wrong in New Orleans during the 143–130 loss and revisit Chicago’s close call against the Wizards, highlighting the defensive issues that continue to surface. They also dive into Billy Donovan’s lineup change against the Pelicans that involved sitting Matas Buzelis to open the half, a Zach Collins injury update from K.C., and why Ayo Dosunmu’s strong start to the season has been a major bright spot. Plus, they look ahead to a crucial opportunity for the Bulls to flip the script against a pair of sub-.500 opponents in the Hornets and Pacers.

Cam Smith and KC Johnson are back on By The Horns after a busy back-to-back for the Bulls. They break down the team’s response from a tough loss in Utah to a strong win over Denver, and highlight the key bench contributors making an impact — including Ayo Dosunmu, Dalen Terry, and Jevon Carter’s sharp shooting performance against the Nuggets. They also look ahead to a challenging three-games-in-four-nights stretch and check in on Coby White’s progress as he works back into game shape.

K.C. Johnson is joined by longtime Bulls voice and 2025 Ring of Honor inductee Neil Funk. Neil talks about getting the call, going in alongside former players and colleagues, and reflects on his years covering the Bulls. They discuss travel on the road during the Jordan era and working alongside partners like John Paxson and Stacey King. He also shares stories about life on the road, his path through Philly and Kansas City, and what broadcasting in Chicago meant to him.

Cam Smith and KC Johnson break down what’s behind the team’s three straight losses to Milwaukee, Cleveland, and San Antonio. They discuss late-game execution and finding a consistent closer. They talk Matas Buzelis’ defensive learning curve, Billy Donovan’s take on the offense, and Jalen Smith’s strong play off the bench. Plus, how Chicago has handled one of the league’s toughest early schedules.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down how Chicago overcame a 24-point deficit in a statement win vs the 76ers. We discuss Josh Giddey’s back-to-back triple-doubles, Nikola Vucevic’s defense, and a second-half shift that held Philly to just 36 points. They also share postgame locker room reactions, what this says about the Bulls’ identity, and how Billy Donovan’s group is buying into ego-less basketball. Plus, updates on Coby White’s ramp-up, Ayo Dosunmu’s status, and a look ahead to the Bulls’ first back-to-back against the Bucks and Cavaliers.

Cam Smith and KC Johnson break down how Chicago’s defense, depth, and buy-in have fueled the perfect opening stretch. From Ayo Dosunmu’s clutch shooting to Tre Jones’ poise and Vooch’s vintage play, the guys explain why Billy Donovan’s system is working and how the team’s trust and sacrifice are setting the tone early. Plus, thoughts on Zach LaVine’s return to the UC and a preview of Bulls-Kings as Chicago looks to stay unbeaten.

The Bulls open the 2025–26 season with a win at the United Center! Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down how Chicago held off Detroit 115–111. Led by Nikola Vucevic’s 28-point, 14-rebound night, Josh Giddey’s 19 points and 11 assists, and Ayo Dosunmu’s lockdown defense off the bench. We talk Vooch’s veteran dominance, Buzelis’ first big dunk moment, Billy Donovan’s late-game strategy, and what to expect next as the Bulls head to Orlando for Game 2.