ATLANTA — The Chicago Bulls edged out the Atlanta Hawks in a thrilling game that ended 152-150. The matchup marked the highest-scoring regulation game of the season, and it concluded dramatically with Trae Young’s last-minute shot hitting the rim.
The game kicked off with excitement. Young made a clever bounce pass to Onyeka Okongwu, who scored a quick dunk. Young wrapped up the night with 35 points and nine assists, including an impressive seven out of eight on three-pointers, despite being limited to 26 minutes.
The Bulls dominated offensively, racking up 83 points in the first half and taking a 10-point lead. Their fast-paced style caught the Hawks off guard, leading to several easy baskets. One moment of note was when Matas Buzelis of Chicago soared in for a dunk right after an Atlanta score.
Buzelis led the Bulls with 28 points, showcasing a near-perfect shooting night, hitting 10 of 11 attempts. “I couldn’t believe we put up 83 points at halftime,” he said. Despite missing 13 free throws, the Bulls shot a stellar 66% from inside the arc and nailed 20 three-pointers.
SEASON-HIGH 152 POINTS.
SEASON-HIGH 41 ASSISTS.
SEASON-HIGH 47.6% 3FG%.
SEASON-HIGH 57.6% FG%. https://t.co/Ern94wW9Ps— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2025
Bulls coach Billy Donovan admitted their defense was lacking but emphasized the need for better communication and execution. Looking ahead, the two teams are set to face off again in just 48 hours.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder expressed frustration over the defensive lapses his team showed, particularly in transition. With injuries impacting his roster—Vit Krejčí hurt his hand and Jalen Johnson took a hard fall—he faces tougher challenges in the upcoming rematch.
This game highlights an interesting trend in the NBA where offensive firepower seems to be rising. According to recent stats, average points per game in the league have surged to around 113, the highest in nearly 30 years. Fans are reacting positively on social media, celebrating high-scoring games that prioritize entertainment.
As teams adapt to this fast-paced style, the focus remains on balancing offense with effective defense—a task that both the Bulls and Hawks will need to refine in their next meeting.
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Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, NBA
