The Chicago Bulls snapped their two-game skid on Friday night, delivering a convincing 109-95 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at home.
Josh Giddey led the charge with a near triple-double performance, recording 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Ayo Dosunmu chipped in a team-high 19 points.
Coby White added 18 points as Chicago controlled the game almost from the tip, capitalizing on Charlotte’s continued struggles. Giddey and Dosunmu were particularly effective from beyond the arc, each knocking down three 3-pointers to help the Bulls maintain a steady lead throughout the game.
On the other side, Brandon Miller was the bright spot for the Hornets, leading all scorers with 21 points. Mark Williams contributed 15 points, while Miles Bridges returned from a 10-game absence to post 14 points and nine rebounds. Despite these efforts, Charlotte suffered its 13th loss in the last 16 games, underscoring a difficult stretch for the injury-plagued team.
Bulls Dominate Early
Chicago wasted no time asserting control, using an aggressive approach to set the tone. By the end of the first quarter, the Bulls had established a lead they never relinquished. Although the Hornets managed a few small runs to close the gap, the Bulls responded each time, showing poise and determination on both ends of the floor.
Veteran forward Taj Gibson provided a nostalgic moment late in the game. The former Bull received a standing ovation from the crowd when he checked in with about a minute left, marking a sentimental highlight in an otherwise routine win for Chicago.
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Key Moment Sparks Bulls
Perhaps the defining moment of the game came late in the first half. Bulls guard Lonzo Ball hustled to recover a loose ball near midcourt, igniting the crowd with a perfectly timed alley-oop to Zach LaVine for a thunderous dunk. The play extended Chicago’s momentum and energized the team heading into halftime.
Even as Brandon Miller answered with a mid-range jumper for Charlotte, Dosunmu quickly responded with a driving layup. A technical foul on Bridges gave LaVine a chance to extend the lead further with a free throw, pushing the score to 59-42. Although Miller hit a floater at the buzzer to cut the deficit to 15, the Bulls remained firmly in control.
Defensive Masterclass
Chicago’s defense was pivotal, highlighted by a season-high 11 blocked shots. Jalen Smith led the way with five blocks, matching a career-best mark, while also contributing a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Bulls’ interior presence disrupted Charlotte’s rhythm, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Hornets Still Reeling
The Hornets’ struggles continued, with injuries remaining a significant obstacle. Star guard LaMelo Ball, the NBA’s third-leading scorer, missed his seventh consecutive game due to a strained left calf. Although Charlotte is slowly regaining some key players, including Bridges, the team’s lack of depth and inconsistency have hampered their ability to compete against stronger opponents.
Bulls Show Promise
This win demonstrated the Bulls’ ability to bounce back from adversity, showcasing their depth and versatility. The team’s balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and control of the game’s tempo underscored why they remain a contender in the East.
Up Next
The Hornets will look to regroup when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, while the Bulls will head north to face the Toronto Raptors the same night. Both teams will aim to solidify their footing as the season progresses, with Charlotte desperate for a turnaround and Chicago looking to build momentum.