Trae Young Returns, but Hawks Fall in Wild 152-150 Shootout to Bulls
Trae Young was back in the starting lineup and back on his home court - and for a moment, it felt like everything was right again in Atlanta. But even with their All-Star point guard putting on a vintage shooting display, the Hawks couldn’t escape their recent slide, falling 152-150 to the Chicago Bulls in a high-octane heartbreaker.
It was Atlanta’s fourth loss in five games, but the story of the night was Young’s return. After missing Friday’s game against San Antonio, the face of the franchise was back - and while the final result didn’t go the Hawks' way, his presence was a reminder of what this team can be when he’s in rhythm.
Down 133-129 in the fourth, Young checked back in and immediately caught fire. In a six-minute stretch, he drilled three triples and sank two free throws, reigniting the home crowd and nearly willing Atlanta to a comeback win.
With the Hawks trailing by just two and under five seconds on the clock, the ball was in Young’s hands for the final shot. He got a look - but it didn’t fall.
Still, the message was clear: Trae is back. And for a team that’s been searching for consistency, that matters more than just one night’s result.
A Game of Runs and Firepower
This was the first of a two-game set against the Bulls, who’ll be back at State Farm Arena on December 23. And from the opening tip, it was clear this one was going to be a track meet.
Chicago jumped out to a 21-10 lead, forcing an early Hawks timeout. Slow starts have been a recurring issue for Atlanta in recent weeks, and it looked like that trend might continue. But second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher helped flip the momentum, hitting a corner three to cut the deficit to three midway through the first.
By the end of the quarter, the game was tied at 38. Atlanta grabbed its first lead early in the second after Vit Krejci - who continues to carve out a role off the bench - knocked down back-to-back threes. Risacher added two more from deep, giving the Hawks a 50-48 edge with eight minutes to go in the half.
The bench, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, has been a key storyline all season. Alexander-Walker, averaging over 20 points per game, has provided a major scoring punch and was once again impactful in this one.
Giddey Makes His Presence Felt
On the other side, Bulls guard Josh Giddey continued to build his All-Star case. Averaging over 20 points, nine boards, and eight assists this season, Giddey showed why he’s one of the most versatile young guards in the league. The 6-foot-8 Aussie - also a teammate of Hawks guard Dyson Daniels on the Australian National Team - was a problem all night.
He attacked the rim with confidence, finishing through contact and using his size to create mismatches. A layup midway through the second quarter put Chicago back on top, and he added a dunk and a three early in the third to keep the Bulls in front.
Chicago led 75-68 with a minute left in the half and stretched that lead to 10 at the break after a Kevin Huerter three from in front of the Hawks’ bench made it 83-73.
Hawks Keep Swinging
The Hawks came out of halftime with renewed energy. Young hit his first two threes of the second half, and the supporting cast stepped up in a big way.
Jalen Johnson - who has emerged as a reliable offensive engine during Young’s absence - scored on back-to-back drives to the rim. Alexander-Walker stayed hot, drilling a three to tie the game at 102 with just under five minutes left in the third. Both players have been instrumental in keeping the Hawks afloat during a tough stretch, and they delivered again here.
Krejci, continuing his quietly strong season, hit a go-ahead three off a Johnson assist to put Atlanta up 108-107 and force a Bulls timeout. But Chicago answered, taking a 116-115 lead into the fourth.
Back-and-forth they went. Johnson, who already owns the franchise record with six triple-doubles this season, found Daniels for an easy dunk to give Atlanta a 120-119 lead - his seventh assist of the game.
Final Moments, Familiar Frustrations
In a game that featured more than 300 combined points, it came down to the final possession. The Hawks had the ball, down two, and Trae Young had a chance to win it. He got a decent look - but the shot rimmed out.
It was a tough way to lose, especially on a night where the offense looked electric and the crowd was buzzing. But the silver lining is clear: Young is back, and he looked like himself.
For a Hawks team trying to claw its way into the playoff picture, that’s the kind of return that could shift the season’s trajectory. The loss stings - no question. But with Young healthy, Johnson ascending, and the bench contributing, Atlanta has the pieces to make a run.
The Bulls will be back in town in two days. Round two is coming, and something tells us this story isn’t over yet.