In a thrilling matchup on Sunday, the Chicago Bulls edged out the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 152-150, marking the highest-scoring game of the NBA season. Matas Buzelis was instrumental for the Bulls, scoring 28 points and helping lead nine players in double digits.
Chicago showcased an impressive offensive display, setting season highs both for points in a single game and for a first half. They went into halftime with an 83-73 lead, which eclipsed their previous high of 72 first-half points achieved earlier this month against Cleveland. Interestingly, this victory also follows the Bulls’ 150-147 double-overtime loss to Utah on November 16, making them participants in two of the highest-scoring games this season.
The Hawks had standout performances from Jalen Johnson, who scored 36 points, and Trae Young, who contributed 35 points, as Atlanta struggled with consistency, losing their third straight game and falling to .500 at 15-15. Johnson’s crucial three-pointer with just five seconds left gave the Bulls a narrow lead, while Buzelis sealed the win with a free throw just before Young’s last-second shot attempt failed.
The Bulls’ performance was particularly impressive under pressure, having won three games in a row, bringing their record to 13-15. Coby White added 21 points to the Bulls’ total after overcoming an ankle injury concern, while Hawks players Onyeka Okongwu and Vit Krejci scored 23 and 20 points, respectively.
The match was also notable for Young’s return, who started for the second time since recovering from a right MCL sprain, although coach Quin Snyder noted that Young would require more time to adjust back into full game readiness. The Hawks are dealing with further challenges, as center Kristaps Porzingis missed his sixth consecutive game due to illness, and the team announced that two-way forward Eli Ndiaye will undergo season-ending surgery for a torn labrum.
The teams will clash again on Tuesday in Atlanta, setting the stage for what promises to be another electrifying contest.