In a game that epitomized the “it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish” mentality, the Chicago Bulls delivered a masterclass fourth-quarter performance to secure a convincing 125-113 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
The Bulls’ closing act was nothing short of spectacular, as they outscored their hosts 35-15 in the final frame, turning what had been a competitive contest into a decisive win. This kind of late-game execution is exactly what separates potential playoff teams from the pack in the Eastern Conference.
Ayo Dosunmu continued his emergence as a key piece for Chicago, leading all Bulls scorers with 19 points while displaying his improved playmaking with four assists. The former Illinois standout’s development has been a bright spot in Chicago’s early season campaign.
The Bulls’ offensive balance was on full display, with the trio of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White each contributing 18 points. This kind of synchronized scoring effort is precisely what head coach Billy Donovan has been looking for from his veteran core.
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For the Hawks, Trae Young demonstrated why he’s one of the league’s premier playmakers, dishing out 16 assists to go along with his 14 points. Young’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates was evident throughout the night, even as the Hawks struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm in the crucial fourth quarter.
The emergence of Jalen Johnson continued to be a silver lining for Atlanta, as the young forward posted an impressive line of 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Johnson’s development has been one of the most encouraging aspects of the Hawks’ season thus far.
The game served as a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the NBA, with the Bulls’ fourth-quarter surge showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders. Their ability to execute down the stretch could be a harbinger of things to come as they look to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
What made the Bulls’ performance particularly impressive was their defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, limiting a typically potent Hawks offense to just 15 points. This kind of two-way excellence is what Chicago will need to consistently display to make noise in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.
The victory improves Chicago’s record to 4-6, while Atlanta drops to 4-7. While both teams are still finding their footing in the early season, this game highlighted the fine line between victory and defeat in the NBA, where execution in crucial moments often determines the outcome.
Looking ahead, the Bulls will look to build on this momentum-shifting victory, while the Hawks will need to address their fourth-quarter struggles as they continue their pursuit of consistency in the young season. Both teams showed flashes of their potential, but it was Chicago’s closing punch that ultimately made the difference.
This matchup served as a prime example of the NBA’s “game of runs” nature, where no lead is safe and the ability to execute in crucial moments often separates winners from contenders. As both teams continue to evolve, games like this will serve as valuable learning experiences in their respective journeys through the 2023-24 campaign.
