The Chicago Bulls defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-115 on Thursday night, with seven players scoring in double figures and team depth on full display. Despite trade rumors swirling, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones were all accounted for on the team flight after the game.
Coach Billy Donovan stressed the importance of team chemistry and depth. “We’ve got to rely on each other,” he said. “The whole has to be greater than the individual parts. If we can move the ball on offense, space correctly, generate really good shots, make good decisions, and take care of the ball, we can play to our identity and still stay afloat.”
The Bulls’ strategy relies on balance rather than a single superstar. Donovan added, “We all need each other. If we have six to eight guys every night in double figures and share the basketball, there is not one primary guy that teams are trying to stop.” Against Minnesota, White led the team with 22 points, underlining that team-first mentality.
The game wasn’t without its tense moments. With just over six minutes left, the Bulls trailed by one after a stretch of mistakes, including turnovers and missed shots. But clutch plays by Tre Jones, who made a driving layup with 31 seconds left, and Coby White, who iced the game from the foul line, sealed the victory.
Minnesota, a team that reached last year’s Western Conference Finals, has been exploring guard additions ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. White and Jones have reportedly drawn interest, but no transactions have been made yet.
The Bulls’ victory marks their third consecutive win, bringing them to a .500 record at 22-22. Guard Josh Giddey said, “This was a really tough test for us on the road against a good team. It gives us momentum moving forward.”
