In a thrilling, high-octane encounter that became the highest-scoring game in the NBA season, the Chicago Bulls outlasted the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 152-150 on Sunday. Nine Chicago players reached double figures, spearheaded by Matas Buzelis who delivered a stellar performance with 28 points, including a career-high seven 3-pointers from eight attempts. This victory marked the Bulls' third consecutive win, improving their record to 13-15.

The Bulls showcased an explosive offense, setting new season highs for both points in a first half and total game points. They established an 83-73 lead by halftime, surpassing their previous first-half high of 72 points. Their 152-point total also topped their prior season-high of 150 points, recorded in a loss to Utah.

For the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Johnson led the scoring with 36 points, while Trae Young contributed a season-high 35 points in his second start in three games, returning after missing 21 games due to a right MCL sprain. Despite their offensive efforts, the Hawks, now 15-15, suffered their third straight loss and seventh in nine games. Other notable contributions for Atlanta came from Onyeka Okongwu with 23 points and Vit Krejci with 20 points.

The game's intensity peaked in the final seconds. With five seconds left, a 3-pointer from Jalen Johnson gave the Bulls a narrow 151-150 lead. However, Buzelis sealed the win by making one of two free throws with 4.2 seconds remaining, pushing Chicago's lead to 152-150. Trae Young's last-second jumper then missed, securing the Bulls' victory.

Historically, this game stands out as only the eighth in NBA history where both teams scored at least 150 points in regulation, and notably, the third such occurrence in the past 35 seasons. Hawks forward Jalen Johnson expressed frustration regarding his team's defensive struggles, stating, "It's kind of tough winning games when you give up 80 points in the first half. It's kind of embarrassing in a sense. ... Hopefully we cut down on some of the things we're doing."

Regarding player health, Bulls guard Coby White contributed 21 points despite being questionable with a sore left ankle, and Josh Giddey added 19 points and 12 assists. For the Hawks, Kristaps Porzingis (illness) missed his sixth straight game, and two-way forward Eli Ndiaye will undergo season-ending surgery for a torn labrum sustained in a G League game on December 9.