Bulls Rally Late to Cap Off Perfect Road Trip With Gritty Win Over Hawks
The Chicago Bulls are heading into Christmas with momentum-and a little swagger-after pulling off a dramatic 126-123 comeback win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. It wasn’t just a win; it was a gut-check performance that capped a 3-0 road trip and extended their win streak to four games. This team is starting to find its rhythm, and it's showing up in the win column.
The Bulls, now 14-15 on the season, have clawed their way back to within a game of .500, winning five of their last six. And Tuesday’s win might be the most impressive of the bunch.
Giddey Does It All
Josh Giddey was the engine behind Chicago’s comeback, turning in a triple-double performance that was equal parts poise and playmaking. He finished with 19 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds-his seventh triple-double of the season, second only to Nikola Jokic’s 14. Giddey’s ability to control the tempo and find open teammates in tight moments made a huge difference down the stretch.
White Stays Cool in the Clutch
Coby White led the Bulls with 24 points and delivered when it mattered most. After the Hawks tied the game at 123 with just 1.9 seconds left, White was fouled before the inbounds pass-an off-ball foul that gave him a free throw.
He calmly knocked it down to put Chicago back in front. On the ensuing possession, Nikola Vucevic was fouled and sank two more free throws to seal the win.
White’s growth this season has been one of the more underrated storylines for Chicago. He’s showing more control, more confidence, and a knack for making big plays late.
From Down 18 to a W
This one didn’t come easy. The Bulls were down by 18 in the second quarter, 15 late in the third, and still trailed by 10 with under six minutes to go. But they closed the game on a 19-6 run, fueled by timely buckets, tough defense, and a sense of urgency that’s been missing at times this season.
Nikola Vucevic added a steady 21 points and 10 rebounds, continuing to be a reliable interior presence. Matas Buzelis chipped in 15 points, and Zach Collins added 10-including a highlight-reel dunk in the fourth quarter that gave the Bulls a jolt of energy when they needed it most.
Hawks Can’t Hold On
For Atlanta, this one stings. The Hawks got strong performances from Jalen Johnson, who was just one rebound shy of a triple-double himself (24 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds), and Trae Young, who tallied 22 points and 15 assists. But they couldn’t close it out, and now they’ve dropped four straight.
The Hawks were without Dyson Daniels, who missed his first game of the season due to right hip inflammation. Nickeil Alexander-Walker nearly played the hero, tying the game with a driving layup in the final seconds. But it wasn’t enough.
Ayo and Trae Get Chippy
With just under seven minutes to play, things got a little heated. Ayo Dosunmu and Trae Young got tangled up in a brief shoving match, earning double technicals. It was a flashpoint in a game that had playoff-like intensity, even in December.
What’s Next
The Bulls will enjoy a well-earned Christmas break before returning home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. If this recent stretch is any indication, Chicago might be turning a corner-and doing it with grit, balance, and a little late-game magic.
For a team that started the season searching for an identity, this road trip might’ve just helped them find one.