The Hawks vs Bulls last game turned out to be one of the most thrilling showdowns of the NBA Play-In Tournament in 2024. Held on April 17, 2024, at the United Center in Chicago, this high-stakes game determined which team would advance in their quest for a playoff spot. The energy was electric, the stakes were sky-high, and fans were treated to a performance that showcased both drama and athletic brilliance.
In the Hawks vs Bulls last game, the Chicago Bulls came out strong and kept the momentum until the final buzzer. They secured a dominant 131-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, knocking them out of playoff contention. It was a crushing blow for Atlanta, but a glorious night for Chicago.
Coby White’s Career Night
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Hawks vs Bulls last game was the performance of Coby White. The 24-year-old point guard delivered the game of his career, scoring 42 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists. His shooting was efficient and confident, going 15-of-21 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range.
White’s energy and leadership were visible from the opening minutes. His confidence infected the rest of the squad and lifted the entire arena. The Hawks had no answer for his agility, shot-making, and decision-making. Even seasoned defenders like De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanović struggled to contain him.
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Game Flow and First-Half Momentum
The game started with both teams playing aggressively, trying to gain early momentum. Atlanta focused on feeding Trae Young, while the Bulls spread the ball across their starters. By the end of the first quarter, the Bulls held a narrow lead. But the second quarter was where things began to shift dramatically.
Chicago increased the pressure and forced the Hawks into several turnovers. With Alex Caruso providing lockdown defense and DeMar DeRozan executing mid-range jumpers, the Bulls entered halftime with a 67-52 lead. It was evident by then that the Bulls were the more focused and disciplined team.
Trae Young’s Struggles
Trae Young, the face of the Atlanta Hawks, had a difficult night. Although he scored 22 points, his efficiency was low. He shot only 4-of-12 from the floor and turned the ball over six times. The Bulls’ defensive strategy was clear—trap him early, force the ball out of his hands, and rotate quickly.
The strategy worked. Young appeared frustrated at times and couldn’t get into his usual rhythm. Despite hitting a few deep threes, his impact was neutralized in the Hawks vs Bulls last game.
Chicago’s Team Effort
While Coby White stole the headlines, it was Chicago’s well-rounded team effort that truly sealed the deal. DeMar DeRozan added 23 points and remained calm and composed, guiding the team through critical stretches. Nikola Vučević also made his presence felt with 18 points and 8 rebounds, holding down the paint.
In contrast, the Hawks lacked depth. Only Bogdanović and Saddiq Bey made notable contributions beyond Young, and their defense couldn’t hold up. The Bulls had seven players in double figures, while the Hawks had only four.
Team Stats Comparison – Hawks vs Bulls Last Game
| Category | Atlanta Hawks | Chicago Bulls |
| Final Score | 116 | 131 |
| Field Goal % | 45.2% | 58.5% |
| Three-Point % | 33.3% | 44.7% |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Assists | 22 | 28 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 45 |
The Bulls outperformed the Hawks in nearly every major statistical category, highlighting their control throughout the game.
Coaching Strategy and Adjustments
Chicago’s head coach Billy Donovan deserves major credit for crafting an effective game plan. His decision to let Coby White lead the offense while using DeRozan as a stabilizer worked beautifully. The spacing was excellent, and the defensive rotations were sharp.
On the other side, Quin Snyder of the Hawks tried multiple lineups to slow the game down, but nothing stuck. Atlanta’s inability to adjust defensively allowed the Bulls to shoot almost 60% from the field. That’s a hard number to overcome in any NBA matchup.
Atmosphere and Fan Response
The United Center was electric. Chicago fans showed up in full force, and their energy helped keep the Bulls locked in. Chants of “Let’s Go Bulls” filled the arena as the team pulled away in the third quarter. When White hit his final three-pointer to cross the 40-point mark, the crowd erupted.
This game was not just another play-in—it felt like a playoff battle. For many fans, it was one of the most exciting Hawks vs Bulls matchups in recent memory.
What This Win Means for Chicago
The victory in the Hawks vs Bulls last game allowed the Bulls to advance to face the Miami Heat for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Momentum is clearly on their side. With Coby White playing at this level and veterans like DeRozan backing him up, the Bulls look dangerous.
This game also boosts the confidence of Chicago’s young core. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu showed that the Bulls might have a promising future, not just a present.
What’s Next for Atlanta?
For the Hawks, this loss brings an end to a roller-coaster season. Many fans and analysts are now asking: What’s next? Will they rebuild around Trae Young, or consider major changes?
This was the second straight year Atlanta failed to make it out of the play-in, and it may force management to rethink the direction of the team. Their defense was porous all season, and it showed again in the Hawks vs Bulls last game.
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Top 3 Player Performances – Hawks vs Bulls Last Game
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Coby White | Chicago Bulls | 42 | 9 | 6 |
| DeMar DeRozan | Chicago Bulls | 23 | 4 | 4 |
| Trae Young | Atlanta Hawks | 22 | 3 | 5 |
Each of these players made an impact, but Coby White’s performance will be remembered for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Hawks vs Bulls last game?
The final score was Chicago Bulls 131, Atlanta Hawks 116. The Bulls dominated from the second quarter onward in this NBA Play-In showdown.
Who was the top performer in the Hawks vs Bulls last game?
Coby White led the Bulls with a career-high 42 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, powering Chicago to a decisive win.
Why did the Hawks lose in the Hawks vs Bulls last game?
The Hawks struggled with defense and turnovers. Trae Young had an off night, and the team couldn’t match the Bulls’ pace or efficiency.
What’s next for the Bulls after the Hawks vs Bulls last game?
The Bulls advanced to face the Miami Heat in the next Play-In game, looking to clinch the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Conclusion
In summary, the Hawks vs Bulls last game showcased the sheer unpredictability and magic of NBA postseason basketball. With Coby White’s explosive career-high, Chicago took control early and never let go. The win didn’t just push them one step closer to the playoffs—it reignited hope in a fanbase hungry for success.
Atlanta, meanwhile, leaves with more questions than answers. Their star underperformed, and their defense couldn’t hold. As fans and analysts review this game in the weeks to come, one thing is certain: the Hawks vs Bulls last game was a defining moment in the 2024 NBA Play-In narrative.