Chicago BullsOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The Chicago Bulls edged the Charlotte Hornets 129–126 on December 12 at Spectrum Center in a closely contested matchup that finished just below the Vegas total of 229.5. K. Knueppel led Charlotte with 33 points while M. Bridges added 32, but the Hornets' 52.6 percent shooting and 16 three-pointers proved insufficient against Chicago's balanced attack. J. Giddey paced the Bulls with 26 points and C. White contributed 20 as Chicago shot 55.3 percent from the field and dominated the glass with 44 rebounds to Charlotte's 32. The decisive difference emerged in the fourth quarter, where the Bulls outscored the Hornets 40–34, overcoming a 22-point second-quarter slump to seize control late. Chicago's defensive rating of 124.3 held Charlotte to a 126.0 offensive rating despite the Hornets' efficient perimeter shooting, while the Bulls' 11 turnovers nearly cost them in a game decided by three possessions. The victory extends Chicago's momentum as they continue their Eastern Conference push.
