Powell Scores 33 as Bulls Snap Losing Streak, Beat Hawks in Overtime

At long last, Chicago's eight-game losing streak is over.

The Bulls appeared as if they would squander a double-digit lead for the second game in a row, but a strong shooting performance and timely baskets down the stretch ultimately resulted in Chicago's second victory of the season. The Bulls (2-9) defeated the Hawks (7-6) in an overtime NBA Cup contest on Friday, 125-117.

Norman Powell erupted for a season-high 33 points, 15 of which came in the fourth quarter and overtime. The veteran guard returned from a two-game absence due to back spasms with a 12-of-19 shooting performance, including 4-of-8 from three-point range.

Josh Giddey secured his first triple-double of the season with 15 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. He also blocked three shots.

Patrick Williams made four threes off the bench and totaled 13 points. He was one of seven Bulls players who scored in double figures, joining Isaac Okoro (15 points), Jalen Smith (15), Buddy Hield (12) and Matas Buzelis (11).

As a team, Chicago made a season-high 20 three-pointers on 50 attempts. The Bulls have made 44.3% of their triples over the past two games, after shooting at a league-worst rate to start the year.

Friday's game marked the eighth game of a brutal 10-game stretch for Chicago, made up entirely of teams that reached the playoffs in 2025-26. The Bulls were winless in the previous seven games, but beat the Hawks despite missing rookie forward Caleb Wilson.

Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick in this summer's NBA Draft, suffered a fractured right hand against the Spurs on Wednesday and will be sidelined for four to six weeks.

For Atlanta, Jalen Johnson had a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. CJ McCollum scored 20 points off the bench.

The Bulls were active in defensive passing lanes early and forced five Atlanta turnovers in the first quarter. That led to transition opportunities for Chicago, which was able to capitalize. In particular, the Bulls were efficient from deep early on, making six shots from beyond the arc on 15 attempts.

Chicago led after the first quarter for the second game in a row, 33-24.

Giddey and Buzelis knocked down three-pointers to begin the second quarter, and the Bulls' lead grew as large as 18 points. Atlanta got the margin down to single digits by the end of the half, as the Bulls led 60-53.

Through 24 minutes of play, the Bulls had attempted 28 three-pointers — their most in the first half this season. Chicago made 11 of them for an efficient 39.3% clip. Meanwhile, the Hawks struggled from beyond the arc, going just 3-of-17.

Dyson Daniels caused havoc at the start of the second half. He helped the Hawks force four Bulls turnovers in the opening minutes of the third quarter and cut the deficit to four. Atlanta kept inching closer, and a transition layup from Johnson eventually made it a one-point game.

With 40 seconds remaining in the third, Lu Dort stripped the ball from Giddey and made the basket on the other end to tie the game at 83. A Williams free throw gave Chicago a one-point lead entering the fourth.

The Bulls came out hot in the final frame with a 10-2 run. Smith and Hield each knocked down three-pointers, while Powell and Hield each made an acrobatic layup through heavy contact.

But Atlanta came roaring back, and McCollum scored five consecutive points to tie the game at 103. Williams answered the call, though, making his fourth three-pointer of the night to retake the lead.

Both teams traded baskets, and Johnson's dunk tied the score with 70 seconds remaining. Powell had two looks at a potential lead-taking shot, but couldn't convert on either. The game headed to overtime, 110-110.

Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu scored on a driving layup at the start of overtime, giving Atlanta its first lead since 7-6. Soon after, Powell took it right back with an and-one baseline jumper.

After a Johnson free throw tied it again, Powell hit a step-back jump shot from the elbow. Powell eclipsed the 30-point mark a few possessions later on an and-one layup.

Buzelis hit a dagger three-pointer with 23 seconds remaining and the Bulls eventually held on to win, 125-117.

The Bulls will travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves in the second night of a back-to-back on Saturday.