ALL-STAR WEEKEND CAME EARLY. Tap In!
The Bulls were four points shy of setting a franchise record for points scored during regulation — in an absolute barnburner inside the State Farm Arena.
The Chicago Bulls defeat the Atlanta Hawks — 152-150.
trend-setters
Dec 21, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (35) sits on the bench prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImageCredit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In a game full of season-highs and career-highs —
it would be the Bulls that took flight over the Hawks in this one.
This game was one for the record books; literally.
Story continues below.
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Chicago set a franchise record for points scored in the first half, by putting up 83(!!!) points in the first two quarters alone.
Matas Buzelis (28 points, 10-11 FG) put up his season-high in points, going seven of eight from deep; setting a career high — while also posting back-to-back 20-point outings for the first time in his young career.
All of that is EN ROUTE to the Bulls, also tying their franchise record for second-most points scored in a game during regulation. The only time they’ve come close to a performance like this was in 1990, when they scored 155 points against the Phoenix Suns.
From start to finish, this game resembled an exhibition straight out of All-Star weekend —
and a few of our future All Stars led the way.
bats outta hell
Dec 21, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesCredit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Both teams came out BLAZING to start the game, but for the Chicago Bulls —
it was their best start to a game in quite some time.
Over their last few games, this young Chicago team has looked reminiscent of the unit that went 5-0 to start the season. The first quarter of this game expanded on that tenfold.
Both teams scored 38 points in the quarter, but it was the Bulls who came out like a team possessed.
The ball movement was great (14 assists), the hustle was evident (10 rebounds), and the Bulls were firing on all cylinders — as they went 16/26 (61.5%) from the field.
Isaac Okoro, returning to his hometown of Atlanta, led the Bulls in scoring in the quarter with 10 points — including a pair of back-to-back threes during that 21-10 run.
But it was plays such as the one clipped below that were the most refreshing to see,
and the story of the night in total.
Everyone was being active, moving off-ball, cutting to the basket, and working in unison —
like a well-oiled machine. More of this — please, Chicago:
second-quarter-stampede
Dec 21, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesCredit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Bulls ended the first quarter on an aggressive move by Patrick Williams (ATTA BOY PAT!!!), and opened the second quarter with the same tenacity.
While the shots didn’t fall as easily as they did at the start of the first quarter, the Bulls continued to push the pace and attack Atlanta in the paint. It was a beautiful sight to see.
Josh Giddey checked into the game and sparked a 7-0 run for the Bulls, giving them a four-point lead, causing Atlanta to call a timeout at the 7:13 mark of the quarter to try to cool the Bulls down.
That idea would not work.
The Bulls continued to attack Atlanta, although, “defense” seemed to be a foreign concept to both teams — hence this article repeatedly alluding to a faux All-Star matchup.
Matas Buzelis checked in at the 3:16 mark of the quarter and continued to show promising flashes, with a highlight block (that got wiped away and deemed a goaltend. Boo ref, boo) and a pair of back-to-back threes, contributing to the team setting the franchise record for points scored in the first half (83).
Dec 21, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (25) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesCredit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Unlike the first two quarters, the Bulls weren’t allowed to say,
“No defense, no problem.”
The Hawks came out and outscored the Bulls 42-33.
The teams essentially stayed neck-and-neck, with Chicago going 13/25 (52%) and Atlanta going 15/26 (57.7%). The Hawks started to find their rhythm from outside in this quarter, and that’s what helped them build momentum.
They shot six of 11 (54.5%) from deep; meanwhile, the Bulls shot a lowly three of 10 (30%) from range.
What was encouraging, though, was seeing the Bulls continue to attack the paint and not settle from three.
Buzelis had himself another great quarter, staying perfect from the field and continuing to add exciting plays to a 2025-2026 highlight reel that is rapidly growing.
sudden-death
Dec 21, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) guard Josh Giddey (3) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) react after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesCredit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
… Phew. Cardiac Bulls strike again.
Talk about neck-and-neck.
While this game was nowhere close to matching the level of excitement and importance as the Bears’ win over Green Bay, the night before (BEAR DOWN BABY!!!) — these young Chicago teams seem determined to raise the roof, while simultaneously raising the collective heartbeats of their fanbases all in the same motion.
The Bulls just barely outscored the Hawks by one point in the quarter, 36-35.
What saved the Bulls in this one, was flipping the script from the previous quarter and shooting 12/21 (57.1%) from the field; consequently, Atlanta shot 11/27 (40.7%).
It was another encouraging display of the Bulls opting to go inside; staying in single-digits from outside the arc with eight attempts in total, and putting up 13 shots from inside of three-point range.
It was an absolutely hard-fought battle, a balanced attack, and another encouraging performance from this young team, currently on a three-game win streak.
What’s on tap next
The Chicago Bulls turn right back around and face the Atlanta Hawks again tomorrow,
December 23rd at 6:30 pm CT.
The Bulls will look to stay hot and ride the momentum of their current win streak.
See you there,
and as always … See Red.