The Chicago Bulls outlasted the Atlanta Hawks 152-150 Sunday in the highest-scoring NBA game of the 2025-26 season at State Farm Arena.
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder noted execution issues in the first half: “First half we had a lot of breakdowns from an execution standpoint… our shots aren’t quite as clean. I thought we did a better job with that in the second half.”
Snyder emphasized defensive improvements: “By and large, kind of a sweep. We need to be better defensively… our transition defense wasn’t as good as it needs to be.”
Regarding Atlanta’s late-game possession, Snyder highlighted the inbound play: “You know, curled Trae to the lane… he did a good job of reacting to that and bouncing back… those are shots that he makes. It’s always hard to get a wide open look at the end of the game.”
Snyder also praised the resilience of his players through injuries: “Both significant plays… the level of toughness that’s required… it’s hard to shoot the ball like Vit did early on where you didn’t miss after you’ve dislocated your finger. And obviously what JJ did, you know, they’re able to stay focused and just compete.”
On missing size without Kristaps Porzingis, Snyder focused on what the team could control: “It doesn’t do any good to lament that… we’ve got to rebound collectively… a lot of things there, big picture… if we do 5% better, 10% better, it starts to add up.”
Snyder discussed defensive rotations and the challenge of Atlanta’s personnel: “The answer… is to try to have some variety in your coverages… those close out situations… require us to be even more disciplined… we just have to be 3% better across the board.”
Offensively, Snyder was encouraged by the Hawks’ backcourt: “I thought Trae and JJ really found a rhythm together… that was good to see.”
Chicago’s Matas Buzelis led all scorers with 28 points, including a career-high seven three-pointers, while Jalen Johnson paced Atlanta with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Trae Young added a season-high 35 points in his second start after returning from a right MCL sprain.
The Hawks were hampered by Porzingis’ absence and the lack of depth, while Chicago’s balance, including Coby White’s 21 points and Josh Giddey’s 19 points with 12 assists, proved decisive down the stretch. Johnson’s late three-pointer gave Atlanta a one-point edge, but Buzelis’ free throws sealed the Bulls’ victory.
Chicago improved to 13-15, while Atlanta dropped to 15-15. The teams will meet again Tuesday, giving the Hawks a chance to respond after their third straight loss.
