Norman Powell gave Chicago the finishing burst it had been searching for. The veteran guard scored 33 points, then made key baskets in overtime as the Bulls outlasted the Hawks 125-117 on Friday. Chicago entered at 1-9 after two close losses, while Atlanta came in 7-5 with its fast, pesky defense. This time, the Bulls turned a wild game into their second win.

The Bulls jumped ahead early by moving the ball before Atlanta could swarm it. Josh Giddey fed Powell for a short jumper and then a three-pointer, while Matas Buzelis hit from deep to help Chicago build a 17-9 lead. Powell’s steal led to another long shot, and the Bulls kept rolling to a 33-24 first-quarter advantage. Patrick Williams added two three-pointers off the bench, showing Chicago had help beyond its starters.

Atlanta fought back with its usual grit. Jalen Johnson scored inside and set up teammates, while center Onyeka Okongwu hit a surprising three-pointer early. Still, Chicago answered each push. Giddey drilled a three to start the second quarter, and Buzelis followed with another as the lead reached 39-26. The Hawks cut it to seven several times, but forward Smith’s dunk and Powell’s late scoring sent Chicago into halftime ahead 60-53.

The third quarter changed the game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Johnson pushed Atlanta closer, and the Hawks’ active hands forced Chicago into mistakes. A steal by Luguentz Dort led to a layup that tied the score 83-83 with 40.3 seconds left. Williams made one free throw before the quarter ended, giving Chicago a narrow 84-83 lead.

Chicago found breathing room early in the fourth. Smith hit a three, guard Hield buried another, and the Bulls led 94-85. Yet Atlanta would not fade. CJ McCollum knocked down a three and a pullup jumper to tie it 103-103 with 4:01 left. Williams answered with his fourth three-pointer, but Johnson made two free throws and then raced in for a tying dunk with 1:08 remaining. Chicago had two late looks, but Powell missed both, sending the game to overtime at 110-110.

In the extra period, Powell took control. He turned an Isaac Okoro pass into a three-point play, hit a step-back jumper, and finished at the rim for another three-point play. Buzelis then buried a three with 23.5 seconds left to make it 123-117. Chicago’s defense held Atlanta scoreless over the final 42.9 seconds.

Giddey powered the win with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, while Smith added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Johnson’s 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists led Atlanta, but the Hawks made only eight three-pointers on 40 tries. Chicago made 20, turning outside shots into the difference. The Bulls move to 2-9 before facing Minnesota, carrying proof that their young group can finally close a tight game. Atlanta falls to 7-6 and heads next to Milwaukee, still dangerous but looking to regain its shooting rhythm.

Norman Powell Carries Chicago Through Overtime Against Atlanta