The Atlanta Hawks had this one in their hands-until they didn’t.
Despite leading for most of the night and getting big-time performances from Trae Young and Jalen Johnson, the Hawks dropped a heartbreaker to the Chicago Bulls, 126-123, at State Farm Arena. It was a game Atlanta largely controlled, but one that slipped away in the final minutes as Chicago mounted a second-half rally and closed with just enough poise to steal a win on the road.
Let’s break it down.
Hawks Start Fast, But Can't Finish
Atlanta came out firing. They put up 36 points in the first quarter, playing with pace, purpose, and a clear offensive rhythm.
The ball was moving, shots were falling, and the Hawks looked like the more prepared team early. That momentum carried into the second and third quarters, where they maintained control and looked well on their way to a comfortable win.
But the NBA is a game of runs, and the Bulls made theirs in the second half.
Chicago didn’t do it with one star going off-they did it with balance. A steady diet of smart possessions, timely buckets, and just enough defense allowed them to chip away at the lead. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game was neck-and-neck.
In the final moments, the Bulls took a narrow lead and never gave it back. Two clutch free throws sealed the deal, and Atlanta’s last-ditch efforts came up just short.
Trae Young, Jalen Johnson Shine
Trae Young was in full command. He dropped 32 points, dished out nine assists, grabbed five boards, and added two steals.
But it wasn’t just the stat line-it was the way he orchestrated the offense, especially late. He created looks for teammates, probed the defense with patience, and kept Atlanta in the game when things got tight.
Jalen Johnson, meanwhile, continues to look like a rising star. He poured in 27 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, handed out seven assists, and added a block for good measure.
His versatility was on full display-attacking mismatches, finishing through contact, and making reads from the high post. He was a matchup problem all night.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Onyeka Okongwu gave the Hawks solid minutes in the paint, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds. He was a steady presence inside, providing both rim protection and efficient scoring around the basket.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker made his presence felt from deep, knocking down four triples on just seven attempts and finishing with 14 points. His floor spacing helped keep the offense humming.
Vit Krejci delivered one of his strongest games of the season, coming off the bench to score 19 points and inject energy into the second unit. Rookie Asa Newell also had a productive night, adding 13 points and seven rebounds in a performance that showed flashes of what he could become.
Dyson Daniels did not see the floor in this one.
Efficiency on Offense, But Rebounding Falls Short
Atlanta shot the ball well-48 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from beyond the arc. The shot selection was disciplined, and the spacing allowed their creators to operate in rhythm. Offensively, this was a game the Hawks could live with.
But on the glass, they came up just a bit short. Chicago edged them in total rebounds, and that slight margin made a difference in second-chance opportunities. In a game this tight, those extra possessions mattered.
Bulls Close Strong Behind Giddey, White, Buzelis
Josh Giddey was the engine for Chicago. He finished with 24 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, controlling the pace and making plays when the Bulls needed them most. His poise in the final minutes was critical.
Coby White added 21 points and hit key free throws down the stretch, while rookie Matas Buzelis turned in an efficient 18-point performance on 7-of-9 shooting. The Bulls didn’t overpower Atlanta-they just executed better when it counted.
Final Word
This one stings for the Hawks. They had the lead, the momentum, and the home crowd behind them.
But they couldn’t close it out. Still, there’s plenty to build on-Young and Johnson continue to lead with confidence, and the supporting cast is showing real growth.
If Atlanta can tighten up late-game execution and find a little more toughness on the boards, they’ll be in a good spot moving forward. This was a tough loss, but not a discouraging one. The pieces are there-it’s just a matter of putting them together when it matters most.