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Powell Scores 33 as Bulls Snap Skid With Overtime Win Over Hawks
By Adrian Cole
Photo: Gavindow at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
CHICAGO, Illinois — Norman Powell scored 33 points in his return to the lineup, and the Chicago Bulls used a strong overtime performance to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 125-117 on Friday night at the United Center, ending an eight-game losing streak.
Powell, who had missed the previous two games, delivered 15 of his points in the fourth quarter and overtime, including nine in the extra period. His late scoring helped Chicago pull away after the teams finished regulation tied at 110.
Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds, helping direct the Bulls’ offense throughout the game. His biggest contribution came late in overtime, when he found Matas Buzelis for a 3-pointer with 23.5 seconds remaining. The basket extended Chicago’s lead to six points and helped put the game out of reach.
Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson also posted a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, according to Reuters. His all-around performance kept the Hawks in contention despite Chicago’s late push.
The Bulls appeared poised to close out the game in regulation after opening the fourth quarter with a 10-2 run that gave them a 94-85 advantage. Atlanta responded, however, and battled back to force overtime with the score tied 110-110 at the end of the fourth.
Chicago then took control in the extra period, outscoring the Hawks 15-7. Powell supplied nine points in overtime, while Giddey’s playmaking helped Chicago create the separation it had been unable to establish in regulation.
The Bulls played without rookie Caleb Wilson, who underwent surgery this week for a fractured right hand. Even without the rookie, Chicago found enough production from its returning scorer and its leading facilitator to secure a much-needed victory.
The win improved Chicago to 2-9 and halted its eight-game slide. Atlanta fell to 7-6, losing consecutive games after a four-game winning streak.
Both teams are now 1-1 in NBA Cup East Group C.
Adrian Cole
NBA, The Library Media
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