The Atlanta Hawks narrowly lost to the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 126–123 at State Farm Arena. Although the Hawks led much of the game and featured strong efforts from Trae Young and Jalen Johnson, they failed to maintain their late lead in a tightly contested Eastern Conference matchup.
Atlanta started with a fast-paced first quarter, taking a 36–30 advantage and holding control through the first half. The Hawks continued their momentum into the third quarter, looking positioned to secure a win, but Chicago steadily chipped away at the deficit with balanced scoring in the second half.
In the final minutes, the Bulls overtook the Hawks and successfully resisted multiple comeback attempts. Key free throws in the closing seconds helped Chicago seal the victory, despite Atlanta’s steady offensive execution and high-tempo play throughout the contest.
Trae Young led Atlanta with 32 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals, demonstrating strong leadership and effective playmaking. Jalen Johnson delivered a near triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and one block, consistently exploiting mismatches inside.
Other notable Hawks contributors included Onyeka Okongwu, who added 15 points and nine rebounds, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who scored 14 points on efficient three-point shooting. Vit Krejci provided an energy boost off the bench with 19 points, while rookie Asa Newell contributed 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Hawks shot nearly 48 percent from the field and about 38 percent from beyond the arc, showing disciplined shot selection and effective spacing. Atlanta stayed competitive on the boards but was slightly out-rebounded by Chicago, limiting second-chance opportunities.
On the Bulls’ side, Josh Giddey paced the team with 24 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, managing the game tempo and stepping up in clutch moments. Coby White added 21 points, including critical free throws late in the game, and Matas Buzelis contributed 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
This game highlighted Atlanta’s ability to execute offensive plays and control pace but underscored the importance of finishing strong in close contests. The Hawks now face the challenge of converting leads into wins as they continue through the Eastern Conference schedule.
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