CHICAGO — In a spectacular display of resilience and firepower, the Chicago Bulls, led by Coby White and DeMar DeRozan, overcame a 23-point deficit to claim a 129-123 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Both White and DeRozan delivered outstanding performances, scoring 33 points each, to fuel the Bulls’ comeback.
Nikola Vucevic added 24 points to the Bulls’ tally, while Andre Drummond dominated the boards with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks. This win was particularly sweet for Chicago, bouncing back from a 123-115 loss to Sacramento where they nearly erased a 30-point gap.
The game was a rollercoaster, with Minnesota establishing a commanding 22-point lead by halftime, propelled by Anthony Edwards’ dynamic play, who finished the night with 38 points and 12 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns also shone for the Timberwolves, contributing 33 points at the start of their four-game road trip.
However, the Bulls found their rhythm in the second half, ignited by White’s explosive scoring after the break. “Coby White is an incredible basketball player,” Drummond stated, applauding White’s crucial contributions during the comeback.
The drama intensified as Towns tied the game at 115 with a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter. DeRozan then missed a potential game-winner, pushing the contest into overtime. In OT, DeRozan quickly made amends, scoring Chicago’s first six points and showcasing why he’s considered clutch in critical moments.
Despite the Timberwolves’ initial dominance, the Bulls’ strategic adjustments in the second half paid dividends, especially in limiting Edwards and Towns’ impact. Edwards’ late charging foul in overtime and a split pair of free throws were pivotal moments as the Bulls secured their lead.
Minnesota’s coach, Chris Finch, lamented the team’s defensive breakdowns and the offense’s shortcomings in crucial moments. “The defense fell apart,” Finch said, highlighting the challenges his team faced in closing out the game.
As both teams look ahead, the Timberwolves will aim to regroup against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Bulls take their newfound momentum into a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. This thrilling comeback victory not only underscores the Bulls’ fighting spirit but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of basketball, where no lead is safe until the final buzzer.
