The Chicago Bulls executed with poise down the stretch on Saturday night, capturing an impressive 117-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Norman Powell spearheaded Chicago's road effort, delivering 23 points, five rebounds, and three assists to power the Bulls across the finish line.

Minnesota battled persistently in front of their home crowd despite navigating significant rotation challenges. Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 24 points and four rebounds, while LaMelo Ball registered 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in a spirited contest that remained competitive into the fourth quarter.

The decisive moment

Holding a narrow advantage midway through the final frame, Chicago seized complete control with an explosive closing run. Powell took charge during critical possessions, creating transition opportunities and converting key buckets to stretch the margin into double figures. Minnesota stalled during the decisive stretch, failing to match Chicago's offensive execution as the Bulls closed out the 11-point victory.

By the numbers

  • Norman Powell paced Chicago with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
  • Ayo Dosunmu led all Minnesota scorers with 24 points and 4 rebounds.
  • LaMelo Ball delivered a balanced performance for the Timberwolves with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
  • Jaden McDaniels provided 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists for the hosts.
  • Chicago secured an 11-point margin of victory by limiting Minnesota to 106 points.

Minnesota generated 61 combined points from Dosunmu, Ball, and McDaniels, but Chicago's disciplined late-game shot selection proved to be the difference.

What it means

As the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season moves forward, securing composed road victories serves as an encouraging sign for Chicago. Despite playing without Tobe Awaka, Caleb Wilson, and Dailyn Swain, the Bulls demonstrated the depth and poise required to finish games in hostile territory.

For Minnesota, the result highlights the difficulty of withstanding high-caliber opponents while managing severe roster absences. Operating without star guard Anthony Edwards and veteran perimeter defender Donte DiVincenzo placed an unsustainable scoring burden on their remaining primary playmakers down the stretch.

What to watch next

Chicago will look to sustain this high level of late-game execution and defensive communication in their upcoming matchups. Minnesota must regroup quickly and address fourth-quarter execution while awaiting positive updates on the injury front for Edwards and DiVincenzo.

Minnesota Timberwolves shot chart: every field-goal attempt by court location, final MIN 106, CHI 117
Bulls 117, Timberwolves 106 (Nov. 14, at home). Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting. The Timberwolves shot 38-of-91 (41.8%) and 9-of-38 from 3. Every Timberwolves field-goal attempt, by location: Graphic: wire.report
Chicago Bulls shot chart: every field-goal attempt by court location, final CHI 117, MIN 106
Bulls 117, Timberwolves 106 (Nov. 14, on the road). Norman Powell led the Bulls with 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting. The Bulls shot 44-of-90 (48.9%) and 14-of-30 from 3. Every Bulls field-goal attempt, by location: Graphic: wire.report