Chicago stuns Minnesota on the road, 120-115, with a bold backcourt shakeup that paid off in winning time. I was on hand in Minneapolis as the Bulls closed with poise, ball pressure, and shotmaking. The Timberwolves, a top Western team, took the hit and had no late answer. Chicago’s guards set the tone, then finished the job.
Chicago steals a tight one in Minneapolis
This game felt like midseason playoff prep. Every screen had weight. Every rebound mattered. The Bulls kept swinging, even when the Timberwolves leaned on size and star power. In the final minutes, Chicago did not blink. They spread the floor, kept two handlers on the court, and trusted reads over set plays.
Minnesota tried to grind the Bulls down in the paint. Chicago adjusted. The Bulls worked more switchable guards, hit pull ups when the big stayed back, and punished late closeouts. On defense, they picked up higher and forced tough catches. The Timberwolves got quality looks most of the night, but those looks dried up under pressure.
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Final: Bulls 120, Timberwolves 115, in Minneapolis. A statement road win built on guard play and execution.
Backcourt shuffle changes the tone
Chicago’s rotation told the story. The Bulls mixed their guards in fresh ways, pairing speed with strength and defense with pace. The goal was simple, win the point of attack, keep the ball moving, and make Minnesota defend in space. It worked.
On offense, the Bulls used quick drags and empty side screens. With two ball handlers, they kept the big man in retreat and found the pocket for finishes. When the help came, they kicked to the corners. When it did not, they got to the rim and drew fouls. That balance created trust and clean late-game possessions.
On defense, the guards chased over screens and crowded the first dribble. Minnesota’s lead ball handlers felt bodies at the nail and on the glass. The Bulls won small margins, like tips, digs, and wall ups. Those plays turned into extra possessions and calm free throws at the end.
Why it worked
Chicago leaned into identity. Tough guards. Simple actions. Sharp spacing. Nothing flashy, just clean decisions and constant pressure. Minnesota had to choose between protecting the rim and covering shooters, and Chicago made each choice hurt.
Lineup flexibility is a weapon on the road. The Bulls used it to control tempo and matchups.
What it means for both teams
For the Bulls
This is more than a road win. It is a blueprint. The Bulls showed they can toggle size, speed, and skill in the backcourt based on game flow. That keeps everyone engaged and raises the floor on a tough night. It also builds a style that travels. Chicago’s guards looked connected, and that calm carried into clutch time.
There is also a culture note here. The Bulls have leaned into grit and control. They are not racing the score. They are choosing moments, then striking with poise. That is how you close in a loud building.
For the Timberwolves
Minnesota remains a force. The size, the rim protection, the energy, all real. But this was a measuring night. The Timberwolves must sort late-game spacing and ball security when opponents go small and fast. They can handle pressure, yet the Bulls found edges with quick doubles and early help. It is a fixable issue, and it will be a priority.
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Here were a few swing moments that defined the finish:
- Second chance points after a long rebound.
- A corner three created by a drive and kick.
- A timely charge taken at the dotted line.
- Calm free throws after a scramble foul.
Midseason wins on the road carry extra weight. This one gives Chicago both belief and film to build on.
The possession that flipped the mood
With the game in the balance, Chicago ran a simple high screen. The ball handler came off strong, drew the big, and slipped a bounce pass to the roller. Help arrived late, the layup dropped, and the Bulls bench erupted. On the next trip, a deflection near midcourt sparked a runout. Those back to back plays took the air out of the building and set the tone for the closing seconds.
The path forward
The Bulls leave with momentum and with answers about their guard mix. Expect more two handler looks, more pressure at the point of attack, and more quick-hitting sets that test big lineups. The Timberwolves will counter with tighter spacing, stronger screening angles, and deliberate late-game touches.
This was tough, clean basketball. Chicago earned it. Minnesota learned from it. The Bulls found a formula they can trust, and they found it in a hostile gym. That matters in January, and it will matter even more when the lights get brighter.
