The Chicago Bulls experienced one of the most shocking fourth-quarter collapses in recent memory, squandering an 18-point lead to lose 123-115 against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite solid performances from Zach LaVine and Coby White, the Bulls’ defense crumbled in the final period, allowing the Hawks to score a staggering 50 points.
The game was a tale of two halves, with the Bulls maintaining control for the majority of the contest. However, everything unraveled in the fourth quarter as the Hawks caught fire, shooting 62% from the field and 38% from three-point range. The free throw disparity was particularly glaring, with Atlanta attempting 17 free throws (making 15) while Chicago had zero attempts in the final frame.
Defensive Breakdown
Our defensive woes were on full display during this collapse. The team’s inability to contain Trae Young and Jalen Johnson proved costly, as the duo combined for 27 points in the fourth quarter alone – outscoring our entire team. This defensive breakdown highlighted ongoing issues with our perimeter defense and pick-and-roll coverage.
Coaching Concerns
Billy Donovan’s decision-making in crucial moments came under scrutiny. The lack of timeouts called to stem the Hawks’ momentum was particularly puzzling. As the lead slipped away, there was a noticeable absence of adjustments to counter Atlanta’s surge.
Bright Spots Amidst the Collapse
Despite the disappointing outcome, there were some positive takeaways. LaVine showcased his scoring prowess with a 37-point performance, including a spectacular third quarter where he went 7-of-9 from the field and 6-of-6 from three-point range. White also had a strong showing, contributing 23 points on efficient 8-of-13 shooting.
Surprisingly, Javon Carter emerged as an unexpected contributor, scoring a career-high 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. His performance kept us competitive early on and highlighted the potential depth of our roster.
Moving Forward
This loss serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead for our team. While individual performances were encouraging, our collective inability to close out games remains a significant concern. As we look to bounce back, addressing our defensive inconsistencies and late-game execution will be crucial.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bulls’ fourth quarter collapse, tune into the Locked On Bulls podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bulls Podcast:
• Analysis of Zach LaVine’s third-quarter explosion
• Coby White’s improved shooting and rhythm
• The unexpected impact of Javon Carter off the bench
