Norman Powell delivered a sensational 33-point scoring showcase on Friday night, propelling the Chicago Bulls to a hard-fought 125-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The high-octane battle at United Center featured explosive offense from both sides, but Chicago’s balanced execution down the stretch sealed the eight-point triumph. Atlanta pushed hard behind a triple-double performance from Jalen Johnson, but the hosts held firm to secure the win in the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season.

Powell set the tone all evening with his relentless perimeter attack and aggressive drives, finishing with five rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, Josh Giddey orchestrated the Bulls' offensive flow with surgical precision, posting a triple-double of his own with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. Frontcourt anchor Jalen Smith dominated the interior for Chicago, providing essential rim protection and rebounding with a sturdy 15-point, 12-rebound double-double.

The decisive moment

With the Hawks trimming the deficit midway through the fourth quarter, Chicago responded with an explosive late surge. Powell drained consecutive clutch jumpers to halt Atlanta’s charge, while Giddey found open cutters on consecutive possessions to reestablish a multi-possession cushion. The Bulls held Atlanta without a field goal over a crucial two-minute span in the final minutes to lock up the eight-point victory.

By the numbers

• 33: Points scored by Chicago guard Norman Powell, leading all scorers while adding five rebounds and two assists.
• 27-11-10: The complete triple-double stat line recorded by Atlanta's Jalen Johnson in a dazzling all-around effort.
• 14: Game-high assists dished out by Josh Giddey, who secured a triple-double with 15 points and 10 boards.
• 15-12: Double-double logged by Chicago big man Jalen Smith to anchor the paint battle.
• 8: Final scoring margin favoring Chicago after outlasting Atlanta's late fourth-quarter rally.

Chicago's offensive harmony was on full display as Giddey guided the attack, enabling four different Bulls to make significant contributions. Johnson's spectacular 27-point triple-double kept the Hawks within striking distance throughout, but Atlanta could not muster enough defensive stops in key moments.

What it means

This victory underscores Chicago’s depth and resilience, especially while navigating roster absences with Tobe Awaka, Caleb Wilson, and Dailyn Swain all sidelined. Powell's elite scoring punch alongside Giddey's exceptional playmaking provides the Bulls with a formidable two-man engine that can dictate high-tempo contests. For Atlanta, surviving without Mouhamed Gueye, Henri Veesaar, and Asa Newell proved difficult, though Johnson's star turn reaffirmed his status as an indispensable centerpiece.

What to watch next

The Bulls look to carry this offensive rhythm forward as they build cohesion around their playmaking guards and sharpshooters. Atlanta will aim to shore up perimeter rotations and integrate their returning depth to bounce back following this road battle.