Quick Read
- Bulls rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat Hawks 126-123 in Atlanta.
- Coby White scored 24 points; Josh Giddey posted a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists.
- Hawks have lost four straight; Trae Young’s return has coincided with defensive struggles.
Bulls Overcome 18-Point Deficit for Season Sweep
On December 23, 2025, the Chicago Bulls delivered one of their most dramatic performances of the season, rallying from an 18-point hole to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 126-123 in Atlanta. This victory not only marked Chicago’s fourth straight win, but also completed a season sweep over the Hawks, as reported by NBA.com, Newsday, and The Atlanta Voice.
- Chicago improved to 14-15, just three games out of fourth place in the volatile Eastern Conference.
- The Bulls closed the game on a 19-6 run, showing resilience and tactical flexibility.
- Key contributors included Coby White (24 points), Nikola Vučević (21 points, 10 rebounds), and Josh Giddey (19 points, 11 rebounds, 15 assists).
Key Plays: Late-Game Heroics and Tactical Adjustments
The game was a showcase of NBA runs and rapid momentum swings. Atlanta seemed in control for much of the night, with Young, Johnson, and Alexander-Walker combining for 38 first-half points and pushing the lead up to 15 late in the third. But the Bulls, adjusting their lineups and refusing to fold, clawed back in the fourth quarter.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan highlighted the importance of getting playmakers back from injury, which expanded the team’s flexibility and size. Still, Chicago had to overcome 14 turnovers from its backcourt—usually a recipe for disaster.
With less than six minutes left, the Bulls trailed by 10. White’s clutch three-pointer and subsequent free throws narrowed the gap. Then, with just 39 seconds remaining, Giddey spun past Trae Young for a go-ahead basket (122-119). Atlanta responded, but a crucial offensive rebound by Isaac Okoro kept the Bulls in control, setting up the final sequence where Coby White hit a free throw with 1.9 seconds left after a technical foul on Zaccharie Risacher.
Trae Young’s Return and Hawks’ Defensive Struggles
While Trae Young contributed 22 points and 15 assists, his return from injury has correlated with Atlanta’s defensive woes. The Hawks are now 2-6 with Young in the lineup this season, and their inability to protect the rim or maintain perimeter discipline was apparent, especially in the fourth quarter when they missed 10 of 12 three-point attempts.
Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 24 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided another scoring punch. Yet, late breakdowns on defense and untimely fouls cost the Hawks dearly. The absence of Dyson Daniels due to hip inflammation further thinned their rotation.
The final seconds were emblematic: Alexander-Walker tied the game at 123 with a driving layup, but a desperation three on the next possession missed. The Bulls secured the win with free throws, leaving Atlanta to ponder a four-game losing streak and eight losses in their last ten.
Emotions Flare: Dosunmu vs. Young
Tempers boiled over midway through the fourth quarter, when Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu and Young exchanged words and gestures, resulting in technical fouls for both. Dosunmu’s relentless defense has haunted Young in recent matchups, and his impact was felt beyond the box score. The Bulls are now 12-6 against Atlanta in the past four years, including a play-in victory.
Statistical Breakdown and What’s Next
- Bulls: 50.5% shooting from the field, 33.3% from three, 75% from the free-throw line.
- Hawks: Led for three quarters but collapsed late; Johnson and Young combined for 46 points and 25 assists.
- Bench contributions: Matas Buzelis (15 points) and Zach Collins (10 points, including a pivotal dunk).
- The Bulls play their next six games at home, a chance to build on momentum.
- Hawks will host the Miami Heat and New York Knicks in upcoming games, hoping to arrest their slide.
Coach Donovan summed up the night: “There was resiliency, some toughness. They didn’t get down. I give our guys credit for fighting to the end and giving themselves a chance to win. They kept battling and fighting and trying to find a way to make plays.” (NBA.com)
Analysis: The Bulls’ comeback was fueled by strategic adjustments, key plays under pressure, and a refusal to give in, even when the odds looked bleak. Atlanta’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially in high-leverage moments, continue to undermine their potential, despite individual brilliance from Young and Johnson. For Chicago, this victory could be a turning point—a sign that, in a season marked by injuries and inconsistency, grit and depth still matter most.