Key Takeaways:
- Chicago overturned a 14-point first-half deficit to secure a 120-115 win over Minnesota
- The Bulls extended their current winning streak to three matches, while the Timberwolves suffered their fourth straight defeat
- Julius Randle led Minnesota with 30 points but committed a crucial turnover in the closing moments
Match Analysis
The Chicago Bulls delivered a determined performance on Thursday night to earn a 120-115 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis. Coby White led the Bulls’ scoring with 22 points, while Josh Giddey provided a vital contribution of 21 points from the bench. Jalen Smith held his nerve in the closing seconds, converting two key free throws to seal the result.
Chicago faced early adversity, trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half. Later, they managed to withstand a 13-0 surge from Minnesota in the fourth quarter. White hit a crucial three-pointer from the corner with 1:06 remaining, keeping the margin to just one point.
3 WINS IN A ROW. BEEP BEEP. pic.twitter.com/91E0Af6sqm
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 23, 2026
Crucial Moments
Following White’s late triple, Minnesota suffered two costly turnovers in the final minute. Jaden McDaniels lost possession out of bounds, presenting Chicago with an opportunity at the other end. Tre Jones capitalised, driving for a layup with 31.1 seconds left. Jalen Smith was then fouled, and he converted calmly from the line with 11 seconds remaining. Minnesota’s ensuing possession failed to produce a basket, confirming Chicago’s win.
Timberwolves’ Top Performers and Foul Trouble
Minnesota’s Julius Randle, who was listed on the injury report due to left foot soreness, led his side with 30 points but also committed a pivotal turnover in the dying moments. Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid contributed 20 points each, and McDaniels finished with 16 points in the defeat.
Foul trouble hampered the Timberwolves throughout, with Edwards collecting five fouls and spending significant time managing his personal tally. The Bulls capitalised from the charity stripe, shooting 33 free throws and making 27, whereas Minnesota attempted just 15.
Decisive Fourth-Quarter Run
With 2:08 left on the clock, White was called for a travel, and both teams exchanged baskets. Edwards found the basket in the paint, before Smith answered with a thunderous dunk. McDaniels sank a critical corner three to push Minnesota ahead 115-111, but those turned out to be the Timberwolves’ last points of the night. Chicago responded with an unanswered 9-0 surge to close out the game.
| Player | Team | Points | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coby White | Chicago Bulls | 22 | Crucial three-pointer in final minute |
| Josh Giddey | Chicago Bulls | 21 | Vital scoring off the bench |
| Jalen Smith | Chicago Bulls | 17 | Two clutch free throws with 11 seconds left |
| Julius Randle | Minnesota Timberwolves | 30 | Team top scorer, late turnover |
| Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves | 20 | Early foul trouble |
| Naz Reid | Minnesota Timberwolves | 20 | Consistent offensive output |
| Jaden McDaniels | Minnesota Timberwolves | 16 | Late corner three-pointer, crucial turnover |
Looking Ahead
The defeat marks a season-worst fourth consecutive loss for the Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Chicago enjoy their third straight win and will next host Boston on Saturday. Minnesota, hoping to end their slide, are set to face Golden State on their home court on Saturday.
