The Chicago Bulls overcame an early deficit with a balanced scoring effort to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 128-123 on Monday night at United Center, extending their unbeaten start to 3-0.
Ayo Dosunmu led the way with 21 points off the bench, while Josh Giddey delivered an all-around performance with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Nikola Vucevic added 17 points and 17 rebounds as Chicago rallied from a 13-point first-quarter hole to secure its best start since the 2021–22 season.
Eight Bulls scored in double figures, including all five starters. Matas Buzelis finished with 16 points, Tre Jones added 14 and nine assists, and Kevin Huerter scored 15, including a key layup in the closing moments.
Buzelis hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:30 remaining to give Chicago a 121-118 edge, and Huerter extended it seconds later after Vucevic’s steal. Giddey closed the game at the free-throw line, hitting two with 7.7 seconds left to seal the win.
The Bulls trailed 58-57 at halftime but took control in a fast-paced third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 41-34 behind Giddey’s rebounding and quick ball movement. Chicago’s offense generated 33 assists on 48 made shots, while shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from 3-point range.
Kristaps Porzingis led Atlanta with 27 points in his return from illness, and Jalen Johnson added 25 points after missing one game with an ankle sprain. Trae Young finished with 21 points and 17 assists, while Onyeka Okongwu contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
The Hawks, who led by as many as 13 early, opened the fourth quarter with a 9-2 run to retake the lead at 101-100 before Chicago responded with another push in a game that featured 15 lead changes.
Atlanta shot 50 percent from the field but couldn’t slow down Chicago’s inside-out offense or match its rebounding advantage, as the Bulls held a 51-36 edge on the glass.
Porzingis scored 10 of his 27 points in the opening four minutes, setting a quick tone before the Bulls adjusted defensively. Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels combined for only four points in their return to the starting lineup.
The Hawks fell to 1-3 with their second straight loss and will continue their four-game road trip Wednesday in Brooklyn. The Bulls will look to stay unbeaten when they host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
