Key Takeaways:
- Chicago defeated Atlanta 152-150 on Sunday in the NBA’s highest-scoring game of the season
- Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 28 points, including a career-best seven 3-pointers
- The two teams will clash again in Atlanta on Tuesday night
Record-Setting Shootout in Atlanta
In a contest that produced the highest combined score in the NBA this season, the Chicago Bulls edged out the Atlanta Hawks 152-150. Chicago, buoyed by Matas Buzelis’ standout 28-point performance, saw nine players reach double figures at State Farm Arena in the first of back-to-back match-ups between these teams in Atlanta.
The Bulls posted season-highs for both points in a half and points in a game, surging to an 83-73 advantage by halftime. Their previous best for a first half was 72 points, achieved on 8 November during a 128-122 loss in Cleveland. This latest outburst surpasses their earlier season-high of 147 points, recorded in a double-overtime defeat at Utah on 16 November.
3 IN A ROW. BEEP BEEP. pic.twitter.com/am7ayFy9zw
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2025
Key Player Contributions and Statistics
Buzelis, whose seven 3-pointers came on just eight attempts, led a clinical shooting display by the Bulls. Chicago has now extended their winning streak to three, improving their overall record to 13-15. Jalen Johnson posted a game-high 36 points for Atlanta, while Trae Young delivered a season-best 35 in his continued return from a right MCL sprain that cost him 21 games.
Onyeka Okongwu added 23 points and Vit Krejci contributed 20 for the Hawks, who have now dropped three consecutive games and seven of their last nine, sliding to a .500 record at 15-15. Coby White overcame doubts over a sore left ankle to register 21 points for the Bulls, while Josh Giddey recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists.
| Team | Final Score | Top Scorer | Other Double-Figure Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 152 | Matas Buzelis (28) | 9 players in double figures |
| Atlanta Hawks | 150 | Jalen Johnson (36) | Trae Young (35), Onyeka Okongwu (23), Vit Krejci (20), Zaccarieh Risacher (17) |
Late Drama and Historical Context
The finish was dramatic: Johnson’s three-pointer with five seconds to play edged Chicago ahead 151-150, before Buzelis split a pair of free throws with 4.2 seconds left. Atlanta had a final opportunity, but Young’s last shot failed to find the target, sealing the win for the visitors.
This high-octane affair surpassed the prior top-scoring NBA contest of the current season, a 150-147 Bulls loss to Utah. For further historical perspective, the highest-scoring regulation match in league history remains Golden State’s 162-158 triumph over Denver on 2 November 1990.
Team Updates and Injury News
Kristaps Porzingis remained sidelined for the Hawks, missing his sixth straight game due to illness. Atlanta also announced that two-way forward Eli Ndiaye is set for season-ending surgery after suffering a torn labrum on 9 December during a G League fixture with College Park.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder addressed Young’s ongoing recovery, stating the guard will require “acclimation process” before handling back-to-back games.
The teams are scheduled to meet again in Atlanta on Tuesday night.
