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Ayo Dosunmu Leads Resilient Bulls to 128-123 Triumph over Hawks after Early Setback

Chicago Bulls' pair Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey

Key Takeaways:

  • Ayo Dosunmu scored 21 points as the Chicago Bulls overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 128-123
  • Chicago improved to 3-0, marking their strongest season start in four years
  • Kristaps Porzingis tallied 27 points on his return, but Atlanta fell to 1-3 after their second consecutive loss

Match Overview

The Chicago Bulls extended their undefeated run to three games on Monday night, mounting a spirited rally to secure a 128-123 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at home. Overturning an early 13-point disadvantage, Chicago delivered its best season start in four years.

Key Player Contributions

Ayo Dosunmu was at the forefront for the Bulls, amassing 21 points. Josh Giddey also made a significant impact, finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Nikola Vucevic contributed a strong double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, pivotal to Chicago’s comeback.

For Atlanta, Kristaps Porzingis returned to the line-up after missing two games with flu-like symptoms and led the visitors with 27 points. Jalen Johnson, also making his comeback from an ankle sprain, delivered 25 points. Trae Young orchestrated Atlanta’s offence with 21 points and 17 assists, showcasing numerous creative passes, while Onyeka Okongwu chipped in 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Momentum Shifts and Decisive Plays

Despite trailing 58-57 at half-time, Chicago surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 41-34 and building an advantage that peaked at 11 points. The Hawks responded in the fourth with a 9-2 run, briefly taking a 101-100 lead and setting up a tense finale marked by 15 lead changes.

Matas Buzelis was critical down the stretch, hitting a three-pointer with 2:30 remaining to give Chicago a 121-118 edge. Kevin Huerter, following a steal by Vucevic, extended the lead with a swift layup just seconds later. Giddey then sealed the win for the Bulls by converting two free throws with 7.7 seconds to go.

Scoring Depth and Line-ups

Chicago’s scoring was evenly distributed, with all five starters and eight players overall reaching double digits. Matas Buzelis produced 16 points, and Tre Jones provided valuable contributions off the bench with 14 points and nine assists. Isaac Okoro sparked the third-quarter scoring with a three-pointer just 24 seconds in. Porzingis made an immediate impact for Atlanta, registering his first 10 points within the opening 3:58.

Zaccharie Risacher also rejoined Atlanta’s starting group after sitting out two games with an ankle sprain, joining Johnson and Porzingis in the line-up.

TeamPointsReboundsTop ScorerRecord
Chicago Bulls128Nikola Vucevic (17)Ayo Dosunmu (21)3-0
Atlanta Hawks123Josh Giddey (13)Kristaps Porzingis (27)1-3

Looking Ahead

The Atlanta Hawks will continue their road trip, facing the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Bulls are set to host Sacramento on Wednesday as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.


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