Bulls Rally to Stay Unbeaten with 128-123 Victory Over Hawks

The Chicago Bulls’ strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season continued Monday night with a dramatic 128-123 win over the Atlanta Hawks. After trailing by as many as 13 points, the Bulls mounted a comeback fueled by solid performances from both their starting lineup and bench. The victory marked their third consecutive win to start the season, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2021.

Josh Giddey, who had been listed as questionable due to a finger injury, made a strong contribution, finishing with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. Matas Buzelis also stepped up in the second half, adding 16 points and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic continued his strong start with 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Isaac Okoro and Tre Jones chipped in with 10 and 14 points, respectively.

Despite these contributions from the starting five, it was the Bulls’ bench that provided the team with the energy and consistency needed to secure the win. The second unit outscored the Hawks’ bench 53-46, with Ayo Dosunmu, Patrick Williams, and Kevin Huerter leading the charge.

The win, while impressive, highlighted some of the Bulls’ challenges, particularly their struggles from three-point range. Chicago shot just 37.2% from beyond the arc (16 of 43 attempts), but their depth and resilience ultimately led them to victory.

1. Bench Boosts Bulls to Victory

The Chicago Bulls’ bench has become a key strength early in the season, playing a pivotal role in both of their last two victories. Against the Hawks, the second unit delivered an important scoring boost, combining for 53 points, outpacing Atlanta’s bench. Ayo Dosunmu was particularly impactful, finishing with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting, leading all scorers. His performance has been a bright spot for the Bulls, especially considering his versatility as both a starter and a reserve. Patrick Williams also contributed to the bench effort, adding 12 points and three rebounds. Williams, who is coming off an ankle injury sustained during training camp, has been finding his rhythm and providing solid two-way play. His contributions, along with Dosunmu’s, help to stabilize the Bulls’ second unit and provide the team with a much-needed offensive spark. Kevin Huerter, a key acquisition from the Sacramento Kings in the Zach LaVine trade, also stepped up with 15 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field. Though his three-point shooting has been off to a slow start (20%), Huerter’s scoring ability gives the Bulls a reliable option off the bench. As he finds his rhythm, his production is expected to rise, particularly from beyond the arc. The bench’s performance has been a crucial factor in the Bulls’ success so far. With Dosunmu, Williams, and Huerter leading the way, Chicago’s second unit has become a reliable contributor, providing the team with depth and versatility that has made a difference in tight games.

2. Starters Show Resilience Despite Slow Start

While the Bulls’ bench was instrumental in the win over Atlanta, the starting lineup also stepped up in the second half, overcoming an early deficit. Josh Giddey, who had been listed as questionable due to a finger injury, delivered an impressive double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Giddey’s presence in the starting lineup was crucial, as he provided stability and playmaking, helping the Bulls rally from behind. Nikola Vucevic, a consistent performer for Chicago, continued his strong early-season play with a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds. Vucevic’s rebounding was especially important, as it helped the Bulls gain control of the boards in the second half and limit Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has been a key factor in the team’s success. Isaac Okoro and Tre Jones also started for the Bulls, contributing solidly on both ends of the floor. Okoro added 10 points, while Jones chipped in with 14. Okoro’s defensive prowess was particularly valuable, while Jones’ playmaking and scoring helped stabilize the offense. Both players have proven to be reliable contributors, helping the Bulls stay competitive throughout the game. Despite starting slow and struggling from three-point range, the starting unit showed resilience, particularly in the second half. Their ability to recover and execute in key moments was a critical factor in the Bulls’ victory over Atlanta.

3. Depth and Versatility Set Bulls Up for Success

The depth and versatility of the Chicago Bulls have been significant assets early in the season. The team’s bench has provided a reliable scoring punch, while the starters have stepped up when needed. The balance between the two units has allowed the Bulls to remain competitive, even when facing adversity. Ayo Dosunmu, in particular, has emerged as a veteran presence on a young and dynamic bench. Last season, Dosunmu averaged 12.3 points per game before an injury cut his season short. This year, he is averaging 14.5 points per game, showing that he can contribute at a high level whether starting or coming off the bench. His ability to transition between roles has been invaluable for the Bulls, allowing the team to maintain flexibility and depth throughout the rotation. Patrick Williams, another key member of the bench, brings a balanced skill set that includes scoring, rebounding, and defense. Though he has been recovering from an ankle injury, Williams has already shown that he can contribute in a variety of ways. As he continues to find his rhythm, his all-around play will be essential to the Bulls’ success moving forward. Kevin Huerter’s shooting ability also adds an important dimension to the Bulls’ offense. While his three-point shooting has been slow to start, Huerter’s ability to create scoring opportunities will be critical as the season progresses. His offensive versatility and experience will be crucial for the Bulls as they continue to build on their strong start.