DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points and led the Chicago Bulls to a 118-113 victory over the Atlanta Hawks during Tuesday’s NBA action. Andre Drummond, making his first start of the season, contributed significantly with season highs of 24 points and 25 rebounds.
The Bulls managed to contain Trae Young, who finished with 21 points and 13 assists, ending his streak of seven consecutive games with at least 30 points and 10 assists. This win marks the Bulls’ ninth in the last 13 games, a notable achievement given the absence of Zach LaVine due to foot inflammation and center Nikola Vucevic because of a hip and groin injury.
DeRozan’s standout performance was particularly evident in the second half, where he scored 21 points, including crucial baskets in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Reflecting on his performance, he mentioned his love for such moments and the thrill of being trusted in critical times.
“The kid in me loves those moments,” DeRozan said. ”Loved the energy from the crowd. It’s fun. It’s an honor, a privilege, to be able to be trusted in those moments, so you try to take it all in.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Drummond, seizing his opportunity in the starting lineup, expressed his belief in still being a starting-caliber player in the league. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu each added 19 points, helping the team to recover from their previous loss to Cleveland.
“I still believe I’m a starter in this league,” Drummond said. “But the position I’m in now, I take it and play to the best of my ability.”
For Atlanta, Bogdan Bogdanovic led with 22 points, and Dejounte Murray added 17 points, ending his five-game streak of scoring 20 or more. The Hawks are now on a three-game losing streak.
The game was closely contested, with key plays in the final minutes defining the outcome. Alex Caruso’s three-pointer and DeRozan’s critical baskets in the closing stages played a significant role in the Bulls’ victory.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson returned to action after missing 14 games due to a broken wrist, contributing 10 points. Meanwhile, the Bulls are dealing with the absence of key players Vucevic and LaVine. Vucevic, injured in a game against Cleveland, is undergoing evaluation, while LaVine has started light training.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will host the Sacramento Kings on Friday, and the Bulls will face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.
