With 6:21 left to go in the Chicago Bulls' second game of the year, Tiago Splitter showed just how much trust he has in his rookie.

The starting unit had played from behind essentially all night long. It was the bench mob that dragged the Bulls back from a 15-point deficit and put them in a real position to win the game. This is exactly why Chicago's new head coach chose to ride the second unit down the stretch. The only adjustment he made was to swap second-year forward Noa Essengue out for his No. 4 overall pick.

Splitter made the right call.

Caleb Wilson Plays Hero in Second NBA Game

Oct 23, 2026; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) speaks to the media postgame against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Repplinger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Not only did the Bulls proceed to close out their first win of 2026-27, but Wilson iced the game.…