In a closely contested game, the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 113-118. The Hawks now stand at 12-18 for the season, while the Bulls improved their record to 14-18.

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up court against the Toronto Raptors on December 13, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Atlanta Hawks started off on a slower pace, scoring only 17 points in the first quarter compared to the Chicago Bulls' 28. However, they picked up momentum in the second quarter with an impressive 39 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Despite this effort and leading by as much as 12 points during the game, it was not enough to secure victory.

The Hawks demonstrated efficient shooting from two-point range with a solid 64 percent conversion rate and were also successful from the free-throw line making 86 percent of their attempts. They fought hard in paint scoring an impressive total of 52 points. Additionally, they capitalized on second-chance opportunities by adding another 21 points from such plays.

Atlanta's bench contributed significantly with a total of 39 bench points throughout the game. The team's overall efficiency rating stood at an admirable figure of 114 and they managed to out-rebound their opponents with a total rebound count of 48 against Chicago's tally.

On defense, however, there were challenges as evidenced by allowing Chicago to score more efficiently per possession. The defensive rating for Atlanta was calculated at approximately over one point per possession which indicated room for improvement on that end of the floor.

Despite these efforts and leading for over eighteen minutes during playtime, it was not enough against a determined Bulls team that managed to steal away ten times and maintain control for nearly twenty-five minutes of gameplay time.

Looking ahead after this tough loss on foreign ground at United Center in front of an attendance crowd numbering over twenty-one thousand fans; fans can look forward to seeing if Atlanta can bounce back in their next matchup which will be held at State Farm Arena against Sacramento Kings scheduled on December twenty-ninth starting at four-thirty PM Eastern Time. This upcoming game will be broadcasted locally on BSSE channel six hundred forty-nine and NBCS-CA channel six hundred ninety-eight for those following from away.

Atlanta Hawks - NBA - Recap

Hawks' Late Surge Falls Short Against Bulls at United Center