Coby White scored 22 points, Josh Giddey provided a spark with 21 off the bench, and Jalen Smith knocked down two clutch free throws late as the Chicago Bulls rallied past the Minnesota Timberwolves 120–115 on Thursday night.
Chicago erased a 14-point first-half deficit and survived a late Minnesota surge, closing the game on a decisive 9–0 run over the final 1:06. White delivered one of the biggest shots of the night, drilling a corner 3-pointer to keep it a one-point game with 1:06 remaining.
After White’s triple, the Timberwolves unraveled down the stretch. Jaden McDaniels turned the ball over out of bounds, leading to a Tre Jones layup with 31.1 seconds left. Smith then calmly converted two free throws with 11 seconds remaining, and Minnesota came up empty on its final possession.
Minnesota had appeared to regain control moments earlier. After White was called for a travel with 2:08 to play, the teams traded baskets, with Anthony Edwards scoring in the lane and Smith answering with a dunk. McDaniels followed with a corner 3 to put the Timberwolves ahead 115–111, but those proved to be Minnesota’s final points.
Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 30 points despite being listed on the injury report with left foot soreness, though he also committed a costly late turnover. Edwards and Naz Reid each scored 20 points, and McDaniels added 16. Minnesota’s loss marked a season-high fourth straight.
Foul trouble and free throws played a major role. Edwards picked up five fouls, and Chicago took full advantage at the line, going 27-of-33 compared to just 15 free-throw attempts for Minnesota.
Up next:
The Bulls host the Boston Celtics on Saturday, while the Timberwolves return home to face the Golden State Warriors.
