The Chicago Bulls edged the Atlanta Hawks 152-150 Sunday at State Farm Arena in the highest-scoring game of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reflected on the final possession: “I didn’t have a good angle of a play… he came back and got it on a handoff and kind of went around coverage and we just chased him at that point in time.”
Donovan praised his team’s offensive balance: “Only a fourth time in franchise history of nine players in double figures, 41 assists… I think the group’s unselfish… they play together… the kind of shots we’re generating is sustainable.”
On end-of-game execution, Donovan emphasized rebounding: “Nobody’s talking about the fact that we didn’t block anybody out on possessions where we really had an opportunity to end the game… we forced them to miss a couple times and we just didn’t come up with any rebounds.”
He also noted the narrow margin for error: “We had maybe built enough of a lead… but again, I’m happy we won the game… we’ve got to find ways to overcome and try to win games by really locking into the controllable things.”
Defensive identity remained a focus: “We’re not a great defensive team, but we can be better… we can take a little bit more control over the things that we can… guard-guard, pick and roll, two guys go to the ball, one guy’s left open… just lack of communication.”
Donovan highlighted individual development, particularly Josh Giddey’s growth as a playmaker and shooter: “He’s so good at getting into the paint and drawing attention… he sprayed the ball back out… he’s a driver and a catalyst to us offensively… he’s really worked hard on the shooting aspect of it.”
Chicago’s balanced attack featured Matas Buzelis with 28 points, including seven three-pointers, while Coby White added 21 points despite a sore left ankle, and Josh Giddey contributed 19 points with 12 assists.
Atlanta was led by Jalen Johnson’s 36 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, and Trae Young’s season-high 35 points. Johnson’s late three-pointer gave Chicago a one-point edge before Buzelis’ free throws secured the victory.
The Bulls improved to 13-15, extending their winning streak to three games, while the Hawks fell to 15-15. Both teams will meet again Tuesday in Atlanta, offering Atlanta an immediate chance to respond after consecutive losses.
