A revitalized Bulls lineup dominated inside, finally snapping their seven-game losing streak.
We finally saw some good things happen with the Chicago Bulls. After Friday night's Hornets rematch, Chicago ended their seven-game losing streak with a 129-126 much-needed victory over the Hornets, advancing to 10-14.
Finding confidence against a 7-18 Charlotte team might sound embarrassing, but a win is a win — and it came at the right time after a four-day reset before traveling to North Carolina.
What stood out wasn't just the result, but how the Bulls achieved it. Billy Donovan experimented with different formations throughout the game, notably deploying a two-big lineup featuring Zach Collins and Jalen Smith. That adjustment partially mitigated Chicago's defensive issues and provided the physical presence they've lacked during the losing streak.
Dec 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins (12) brings the ball up court guarded by Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesDespite being outshot 10-16 from three-point range, the Bulls dominated inside with 80 points in the paint compared to Charlotte's 66. They dominated on the glass with a 44-31 rebounding advantage, including an 11-8 edge on offensive boards. Whether this victory signals a beacon of hope or simply a brief reprieve remains uncertain, but sustaining rebounding prowess would help Chicago stay on course moving forward.
Collins finally found his rhythm as a key bench contributor, scoring a season-high 16 points with eight rebounds after being silent in his previous two games since returning from the wrist injury that sidelined him throughout October and November. His presence proved his value for the Bulls down the stretch, particularly in the fourth quarter when he grabbed a crucial offensive rebound while facing three defenders, calmly delivering the ball to a cutting Tre Jones for a rare dunk that extended Chicago's lead with nearly a minute left.
Isaac Okoro, returning after missing games since the Miami blowout in the NBA Cup last month, opened up offensively with 15 points, including an 11-point fourth-quarter outburst. His and-one fastbreak layup — generated by Smith's block — gave the Bulls their first lead since the first frame. Coby White and Patrick Williams, playing in their hometown, led the charge on the offense with 20 and 16 points, respectively.
Though defensive lapses and turnovers plagued the first half, the Bulls rejuvenated after halftime. They limited turnovers to just three in the second half while scoring seven points off Charlotte's mistakes. Chicago also drew more contact, converting 11 free throws after intermission.
The two-big lineup helped Chicago generate stops and trigger fastbreaks, which is why Nikola Vucevic sat out most of the game in the second half. The veteran center embraced the decision.
"You obviously want to be out there as a competitor, but Zach and Sticks (Jalen Smith) were playing great," Vucevic told CHSN's K.C. Johnson. "Billy made the call and it was the right call; we won the game."
Though it was another narrow victory that allowed the opponent to score over 120 points, the Bulls showed positive defensive signs. Chicago registered six blocks compared to Charlotte's three, and the two-big lineup provided rim protection that's been missing.
Though the formula isn't perfect, as the Bulls still struggle with three-point defense and consistency, Friday's win might allow Chicago to find a temporary answer to their woes. One win doesn't entirely erase the pain from seven straight losses, but it should be a start to recovery, hopefully.