The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Chicago Bulls 123-122 in overtime on Sunday night. That suggests that the game was tense. This finish, though, went beyond tense. It was a bonkers finish that we haven’t seen much of in the NBA and probably won’t see again anytime soon.
It started when Atlanta’s Trae Young hit a cold-blooded jumper to break a 119-119 tie, giving the Hawks a two-point lead with a second left.
Absurd finish in Atlanta.
Part 1: Trae Young hits what appears to be a game-winning jumper. pic.twitter.com/l1RFlcTpxb
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 12, 2022
That was just the beginning. Chicago got the ball with one second left and inbounded the ball to DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan instantly put up a three — and was fouled.
Part 2: DeMar DeRozan is fouled shooting a three. He made all three free throws, but time was put back on the clock. pic.twitter.com/h5UysatiGw
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 12, 2022
The Bulls were up one after DeRozan made his free throws, but a half second was put on the clock. That didn’t give Atlanta a lot of time but with a time-out that advanced the ball into the frontcourt, the Hawks had a chance.
They made the most of it.
Part 3: Jalen Johnson hits AJ Griffin, who makes the real game-winner.pic.twitter.com/ecoV7yKV1d
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 12, 2022
Naturally, the two teams had dramatically different reactions to the final on their respective Twitter pages.
Final. 💔 pic.twitter.com/UlqUOtcJXg
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 12, 2022
HAWKS WIN! pic.twitter.com/7vZcdURDNg
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 12, 2022
They were not the only ones to react strongly to it. The wild finish in Atlanta caught the attention of a lot of people.
What an absurd end to Hawks-Bulls. David Justice is loving it!
— nick wright (@getnickwright) December 12, 2022
What matters most in NBA is having 1 timeout left to advance ball late, but Hawks just showed the advantage in having 2 left.
They made the Bulls defend two different plays with back cuts to the rim. Bulls defended the first perfectly, made a mistake on the second.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) December 12, 2022
All things considered, that Hawks-Bulls ending probably a top 3 wildest basketball game ending I’ve ever seen.
— Paul Mathewson (@Paulmathewson) December 12, 2022
not sure what i just watched in hawks-bulls but i think i enjoyed it
— Dan Favale (@danfavale) December 12, 2022
This Hawks-Bulls game. WOW
— Raheem Palmer (@iamrahstradamus) December 12, 2022
Ending to that Bulls/Hawks game was SOMETHING
— Slavko Bekovic (@SBekovic) December 12, 2022
When a game like this happens, it’s natural to look at the schedule and see when the rematch is. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long. The two teams will play again on Wednesday, December 21. This will be a tough act to follow.
