Joel Lorenzi
@jxlorenzi.bsky.social
Bulls, NBA for The Athletic. Past: Thunder for The Oklahoman. Mizzou alum. Out West forever.
Reposted by Joel Lorenzi
The East is ... Good? Roundtable with @hunterpatterson.bsky.social and @jxlorenzi.bsky.social
'Leastern' no more: What the first month has taught us about NBA's other conference
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The East is ... Good? Roundtable with @hunterpatterson.bsky.social and @jxlorenzi.bsky.social
Jalen Smith. Ayo Dosunmu. Jevon Carter.
Monday night belonged to the bench:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Monday night belonged to the bench:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Chicago Bulls bench turns in signature performance, helps snap 5-game skid
The Bulls bench scored 66 points, not so distant from Sunday’s season-high 71. Chicago's backups outscored the Nuggets bench by 57 points.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Jalen Smith. Ayo Dosunmu. Jevon Carter.
Monday night belonged to the bench:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Monday night belonged to the bench:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
They did it again. Another win thought to be unlikely against another East playoff contender.
Some how, some way, this group has continued to scratch off names.
On the dawn of The Improbabulls, over @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Some how, some way, this group has continued to scratch off names.
On the dawn of The Improbabulls, over @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
The Bulls are 5-0 for the first time since the Jordan era, fueled by Josh Giddey and a balanced attack
Led by their rising 23-year-old star, the Bulls, who were expected to be a lottery team this season, are off to their best start since 1996.
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 2:09 PM
They did it again. Another win thought to be unlikely against another East playoff contender.
Some how, some way, this group has continued to scratch off names.
On the dawn of The Improbabulls, over @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Some how, some way, this group has continued to scratch off names.
On the dawn of The Improbabulls, over @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Reminiscing and day dreaming: on the spoiling of Zach LaVine’s revenge game, and a fitting collision of the Bulls’ past and present Wednesday night:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Bulls deny Zach LaVine his revenge, stay unbeaten in best start in four years
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Reminiscing and day dreaming: on the spoiling of Zach LaVine’s revenge game, and a fitting collision of the Bulls’ past and present Wednesday night:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Billy Donovan says Coby White “looked good” today. Went through contact and controlled scrimmaging before medical pulled him later for precautionary reasons. Bulls are off tomorrow, but he’ll go thru contact again Monday & Tuesday. Says he’s trending toward playing in opener.
October 18, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Billy Donovan says Coby White “looked good” today. Went through contact and controlled scrimmaging before medical pulled him later for precautionary reasons. Bulls are off tomorrow, but he’ll go thru contact again Monday & Tuesday. Says he’s trending toward playing in opener.
Asked Matas about wanting to be coached like an All-Defense guy.
“For me, it’s asking a lot of questions, asking players what they think.”
Does he seek others out?
“There’s a list. I talked to D Rose about his mentality. Just to see how he approached his 2nd year, the pressure.”
“For me, it’s asking a lot of questions, asking players what they think.”
Does he seek others out?
“There’s a list. I talked to D Rose about his mentality. Just to see how he approached his 2nd year, the pressure.”
October 8, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Asked Matas about wanting to be coached like an All-Defense guy.
“For me, it’s asking a lot of questions, asking players what they think.”
Does he seek others out?
“There’s a list. I talked to D Rose about his mentality. Just to see how he approached his 2nd year, the pressure.”
“For me, it’s asking a lot of questions, asking players what they think.”
Does he seek others out?
“There’s a list. I talked to D Rose about his mentality. Just to see how he approached his 2nd year, the pressure.”
Reposted by Joel Lorenzi
As I said after media day, I don't think Isaac Okoro has been name-checked that much in his whole career, including High School
Can one man help the Bulls uncover their defensive identity?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Isaac Okoro gets 'new chance' with the Bulls. Can he help configure a defensive identity?
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:37 PM
As I said after media day, I don't think Isaac Okoro has been name-checked that much in his whole career, including High School
Can one man help the Bulls uncover their defensive identity?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Isaac Okoro gets 'new chance' with the Bulls. Can he help configure a defensive identity?
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Can one man help the Bulls uncover their defensive identity?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Paging any Bulls fans I might have here. Kicking off my first season on the beat today, so wanted to engage with my Bulls followers.
What kind of coverage do you want to see from me this year?
What kind of stories have you liked from us in the past, what players are you curious about, etc.
What kind of coverage do you want to see from me this year?
What kind of stories have you liked from us in the past, what players are you curious about, etc.
September 29, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Paging any Bulls fans I might have here. Kicking off my first season on the beat today, so wanted to engage with my Bulls followers.
What kind of coverage do you want to see from me this year?
What kind of stories have you liked from us in the past, what players are you curious about, etc.
What kind of coverage do you want to see from me this year?
What kind of stories have you liked from us in the past, what players are you curious about, etc.
Reposted by Joel Lorenzi
NEWS: Josh Giddey and the Bulls have agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract, a source tells The Athletic's @jxlorenzi.bsky.social & @samamick.bsky.social.
The deal comes after a prolonged standoff between the team and the restricted free agent forward.
Read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/653...
The deal comes after a prolonged standoff between the team and the restricted free agent forward.
Read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/653...
September 9, 2025 at 7:36 PM
NEWS: Josh Giddey and the Bulls have agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract, a source tells The Athletic's @jxlorenzi.bsky.social & @samamick.bsky.social.
The deal comes after a prolonged standoff between the team and the restricted free agent forward.
Read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/653...
The deal comes after a prolonged standoff between the team and the restricted free agent forward.
Read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/653...
For my debut story at @theathletic.com, I pulled up to watch Derrick Rose play chess. He’s seemingly found fulfillment in his new obsession. Now he’s out here hoping to grow the game:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
Derrick Rose eager to shine light on NBA's secret obsession: Chess
www.nytimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
For my debut story at @theathletic.com, I pulled up to watch Derrick Rose play chess. He’s seemingly found fulfillment in his new obsession. Now he’s out here hoping to grow the game:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
For those who are unfamiliar with me or my recent move…here’s my introduction to The Athletic:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
My mission in returning home, joining The Athletic to cover the Chicago Bulls
www.nytimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:50 AM
For those who are unfamiliar with me or my recent move…here’s my introduction to The Athletic:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
I’m like Danny Green on this list, but def a Pop-type tree
Can we talk about the Thunder reporting tree? @anthonyvslater.bsky.social, @fredkatz.bsky.social, @darnellmayberry.bsky.social, @jxlorenzi.bsky.social . We’re basically a farm system for @theathletic.bsky.social.
At least let us keep @andrewschlecht.bsky.social please.
At least let us keep @andrewschlecht.bsky.social please.
June 26, 2025 at 4:57 PM
I’m like Danny Green on this list, but def a Pop-type tree
News: This was my last week at The Oklahoman. I’m moving back home to cover the Bulls for The Athletic. Thankful that @jeffapatt.bsky.social and the crew embraced me. They gave me the shot I always wanted. Appreciative of Glenn Yoder and this staff for their belief in me and my path.
June 26, 2025 at 1:17 PM
News: This was my last week at The Oklahoman. I’m moving back home to cover the Bulls for The Athletic. Thankful that @jeffapatt.bsky.social and the crew embraced me. They gave me the shot I always wanted. Appreciative of Glenn Yoder and this staff for their belief in me and my path.
Reposted by Joel Lorenzi
June 24, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Listen to Aaron Wiggins’ defiance. Feel Jaylin Williams’ conviction. See the way SGA marched the streets. His streets, with his people.
At the heart of this celebration was a sentiment shared by a city: on this day, Oklahoma City couldn’t be denied.
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
At the heart of this celebration was a sentiment shared by a city: on this day, Oklahoma City couldn’t be denied.
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
'Guess what?': Jaylin Williams, OKC Thunder can no longer be denied after NBA championship
From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander mingling with the crowd to Jaylin Williams' epic speech, the OKC Thunder's NBA championship parade was an undeniable success.
www.oklahoman.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Listen to Aaron Wiggins’ defiance. Feel Jaylin Williams’ conviction. See the way SGA marched the streets. His streets, with his people.
At the heart of this celebration was a sentiment shared by a city: on this day, Oklahoma City couldn’t be denied.
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
At the heart of this celebration was a sentiment shared by a city: on this day, Oklahoma City couldn’t be denied.
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Tuesday’s cover of The Oklahoman sports section 🏆
June 24, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Tuesday’s cover of The Oklahoman sports section 🏆
They weren’t too young after all. Their experiences were enough.
In fact, this youthfulness carried the Thunder. Empowered them. From all-along training camp contender to learning about Moet on the last night of the season:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
In fact, this youthfulness carried the Thunder. Empowered them. From all-along training camp contender to learning about Moet on the last night of the season:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder took their place atop the NBA as champions
The Thunder was faced with a months-long choice. Put up or shut up. Shrivel up or grow up. It did on the biggest stage.
www.oklahoman.com
June 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM
They weren’t too young after all. Their experiences were enough.
In fact, this youthfulness carried the Thunder. Empowered them. From all-along training camp contender to learning about Moet on the last night of the season:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
In fact, this youthfulness carried the Thunder. Empowered them. From all-along training camp contender to learning about Moet on the last night of the season:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
History, fans, critics — they all say the prophecy requires champions to suffer before climbing the mountaintop. Years of defeat.
Chet Holmgren scoffs at the idea that this path was easy.
How OKC views its adversity, why it think it’s enough to win now:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Chet Holmgren scoffs at the idea that this path was easy.
How OKC views its adversity, why it think it’s enough to win now:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
How do OKC Thunder players view their own adversity compared to past NBA champions?
Chet Holmgren has been served reminders of all the reasons his OKC squad, a win away from the franchise’s first title, was told it couldn’t be here.
www.oklahoman.com
June 22, 2025 at 4:52 PM
History, fans, critics — they all say the prophecy requires champions to suffer before climbing the mountaintop. Years of defeat.
Chet Holmgren scoffs at the idea that this path was easy.
How OKC views its adversity, why it think it’s enough to win now:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Chet Holmgren scoffs at the idea that this path was easy.
How OKC views its adversity, why it think it’s enough to win now:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
The idea of this zero-and-zero thing was to work toward tomorrow, not June. But *today* is June, a Game 6 that could secure the Thunder’s first title.
On the mental space OKC has lived in for months, and how it’s staying there for at least another night:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
On the mental space OKC has lived in for months, and how it’s staying there for at least another night:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Thunder on brink of NBA title it dared not mention all year: 'Winning is all that matters'
The Oklahoma City Thunder is one win away from its first NBA championship, something it may have dreamed of but dared not mention all season long.
www.oklahoman.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The idea of this zero-and-zero thing was to work toward tomorrow, not June. But *today* is June, a Game 6 that could secure the Thunder’s first title.
On the mental space OKC has lived in for months, and how it’s staying there for at least another night:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
On the mental space OKC has lived in for months, and how it’s staying there for at least another night:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Jalen Williams will give himself at least another win before he sinks his teeth into Monday's Game 5. His moment. His response to all his offseason questions.
Maybe, in a few days, he'll realize he's become exactly who OKC needed him to be:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Maybe, in a few days, he'll realize he's become exactly who OKC needed him to be:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Jalen Williams brings 'great force' again in NBA Finals, inching Thunder closer to title
Jalen Williams joined a rare 40-point NBA Finals club Monday night in the Thunder's 120-109 win over the Pacers in Game 5 to move OKC a win away from the title.
www.oklahoman.com
June 17, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Jalen Williams will give himself at least another win before he sinks his teeth into Monday's Game 5. His moment. His response to all his offseason questions.
Maybe, in a few days, he'll realize he's become exactly who OKC needed him to be:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Maybe, in a few days, he'll realize he's become exactly who OKC needed him to be:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
The exhale was audible. OKC’s sins through three quarters were wiped away. Game 4, and the Thunder’s storied season, came down to the fourth quarter.
The Thunder picked some time to regain control:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
The Thunder picked some time to regain control:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder didn't flinch in legacy-defining Game 4 of NBA Finals
Of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, 15 came in the fourth quarter. He scored 15 of the Thunder’s final 16 points, sealing a crucial win over the Pacers.
www.oklahoman.com
June 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The exhale was audible. OKC’s sins through three quarters were wiped away. Game 4, and the Thunder’s storied season, came down to the fourth quarter.
The Thunder picked some time to regain control:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
The Thunder picked some time to regain control:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
SGA has elevated with each series. The lists he’s joining are only getting shorter, with this two-game Finals debut putting him in rare air.
This is what the greats look like:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
This is what the greats look like:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
How OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's hot NBA Finals start is becoming folklore
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's first couple games of these NBA Finals leave him tied to those that molded this game and its greatest stage.
www.oklahoman.com
June 11, 2025 at 4:47 PM
SGA has elevated with each series. The lists he’s joining are only getting shorter, with this two-game Finals debut putting him in rare air.
This is what the greats look like:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
This is what the greats look like:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Alex Caruso was not gifted these credentials on his 30th birthday. Or when he won the 2020 title.
Caruso honed this leadership, this reliability for a Finals team. On a trustworthy voice forged by collages, the D League and the art of learning teammates:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Caruso honed this leadership, this reliability for a Finals team. On a trustworthy voice forged by collages, the D League and the art of learning teammates:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Why Alex Caruso was perfect veteran to guide OKC Thunder on this NBA Finals journey
During the mundane of a December in the NBA, months before the Thunder would face the Pacers in the NBA Finals, Alex Caruso entered the locker room flossin’.
www.oklahoman.com
June 8, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Alex Caruso was not gifted these credentials on his 30th birthday. Or when he won the 2020 title.
Caruso honed this leadership, this reliability for a Finals team. On a trustworthy voice forged by collages, the D League and the art of learning teammates:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Caruso honed this leadership, this reliability for a Finals team. On a trustworthy voice forged by collages, the D League and the art of learning teammates:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
Chet Holmgren seethed, nearing a record for how long humans can clench their jaw. That OKC felt this before didn’t matter.
The Pacers pulled off another playoff heist. The realization that the Thunder could be another one of those victims was bitter:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
The Pacers pulled off another playoff heist. The realization that the Thunder could be another one of those victims was bitter:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
OKC Thunder leads for all but 0.3 seconds before falling to Pacers in Game 1 of NBA Finals
Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers snatched victory away from the OKC Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on a last-second basket.
www.oklahoman.com
June 6, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Chet Holmgren seethed, nearing a record for how long humans can clench their jaw. That OKC felt this before didn’t matter.
The Pacers pulled off another playoff heist. The realization that the Thunder could be another one of those victims was bitter:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...
The Pacers pulled off another playoff heist. The realization that the Thunder could be another one of those victims was bitter:
www.oklahoman.com/story/sports...