Key Takeaways:
- Naz Reid delivered a season-best 33 points from the bench for Minnesota
- Chicago’s leading scorers Coby White and Josh Giddey both suffered injuries during the match
- The Timberwolves outperformed the Bulls 40-28 in the third quarter to secure a dominant lead
Match Analysis
The Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a resounding 136-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night in Chicago, powered in large part by a 33-point outburst from bench star Naz Reid. Anthony Edwards chipped in 23 points as Minnesota began a four-game road swing with a dominant display, especially in the second half. The visitors shrugged off a sluggish start to finish with a 53.7% shooting rate.
THAT'S HOW YOU START A ROAD TRIP. 👏 pic.twitter.com/5FlqaQlxPB
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 30, 2025
Chicago overcame a deficit to draw level at 55 early in the third quarter, but the Timberwolves sprung into action, orchestrating a 40-28 run during the frame. By the start of the fourth quarter, Minnesota had built a commanding 95-78 cushion. Julius Randle contributed 17 points for the Timberwolves, while Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland both tallied 12 points.
Bulls Suffer Double Injury Blow
The Bulls endured a tough evening, not only with defeat but also with key injuries. Coby White, Chicago’s top scorer coming into the night, exited the contest early in the first quarter due to a right calf strain. White, who had been averaging 20.5 points this season, previously missed the first eleven games of the campaign with a similar injury.
Josh Giddey, who entered the matchup averaging 19.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 9.1 rebounds, departed in the opening minute of the second half with an apparent left hamstring issue after registering 11 points. Giddey currently ranks second in the NBA with seven triple-doubles.
Prior to tip-off, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan confirmed that Zach Collins is expected to be sidelined for several games due to a sprained right big toe.
Statistics & Key Performances
| Team | Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Naz Reid | 33 | 7 | 3 |
| Anthony Edwards | 23 | 2 | 4 | |
| Julius Randle | 17 | 5 | 14 | |
| Chicago Bulls | Nikola Vucevic | 23 | 5 | 2 |
| Josh Giddey | 11 | 4 | 3 |
Turning Points and Upcoming Fixtures
Minnesota trailed by as many as nine points midway through the second quarter but surged back to claim a 55-50 half-time lead, thanks in large part to Anthony Edwards’ sequence of 11 consecutive points, which included three three-pointers and a pair of free throws. The Timberwolves tightened their hold on the contest in the third period and maintained control until the final buzzer.
Mike Conley of Minnesota notably appeared in his 1,200th NBA game, bolstering the team’s experienced ranks. The Timberwolves continue their road trip at Atlanta on Wednesday night, while the Bulls will play host to New Orleans on the same evening.
