NBA Sunday Recap: Offensive Fireworks in Atlanta and a Wolves Comeback

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The NBA Sunday slate provided a masterclass in modern NBA scoring, headlined by a historic shootout in Georgia and a gritty defensive comeback in the Twin Cities. With the standings tightening as the calendar nears Christmas, several teams made major statements about their playoff positioning.

The Highest Scoring Game of the Season: Bulls 152, Hawks 150

In a game that felt more like an All-Star exhibition than a December regular-season matchup, the Chicago Bulls (13-15) outlasted the Atlanta Hawks (15-15) in a 152-150 thriller. It was the highest-scoring game in the NBA this season, featuring 15 different players in double figures.

Buzelis Breaks Out: Rookie sensation Matas Buzelis had the best game of his young career, scoring 28 points and sinking a career-high seven 3-pointers. He ultimately iced the game at the free-throw line with 4.2 seconds remaining.
The Hawks’ Star Power: Despite the loss, Jalen Johnson continued his All-Star campaign with 36 points, while Trae Young added a season-high 35 points in his second game back from an MCL sprain. Atlanta led by one point with five seconds left after a Johnson 3-pointer, but a late defensive lapse allowed Chicago to snatch the victory.

The Comeback: Timberwolves 103, Bucks 100

Fresh off their upset of the Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-10) proved they are the league’s most resilient team by overcoming a 16-point deficit to stun the Milwaukee Bucks.

Minnesota’s defense clamped down in the final five minutes, holding Giannis Antetokounmpo to just one field goal in the closing stretch. Anthony Edwards followed up his Friday heroics with another clutch performance, scoring 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help the Wolves climb to the top of the Northwest Division.

Fox Leads the Surging Spurs: Spurs 124, Wizards 113

The San Antonio Spurs (21-7) moved into second place in the Western Conference with a commanding win over the Wizards. De’Aaron Fox, who has flourished since joining San Antonio, led the way with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Wemby on a Pitch Count: Victor Wembanyama continued his bench-role reintegration following a calf injury, but remained hyper-efficient, recording 14 points and 12 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play.
The Supporting Cast: Veteran Luke Kornet provided a massive spark with a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double, while rookie Stephon Castle dazzled with 11 assists.

Around the League

Knicks 132, Heat 125: At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks won a classic Atlantic Division battle. New York’s perimeter shooting proved to be the difference as they fended off a late 30-point effort from Miami’s Jimmy Butler.
Kings 125, Rockets 124: In a heart-stopping finish in Sacramento, the Kings escaped with a one-point victory. The Rockets, led by Kevin Durant (who played all 48 minutes in the back-to-back), had a chance to win at the buzzer, but a contested jumper from the baseline rimmed out.
Nets 96, Raptors 81: In the day’s only true defensive slugfest, the Nets’ rookie duo of Nolan Traore and Egor Demin combined for 35 points to stifle a struggling Toronto squad.

Sunday Night Scoreboard

Matchup	Result	Top Performer
Bulls @ Hawks	CHI 152 – 150 (2OT)	Matas Buzelis (28 PTS, 7 3PT)
Spurs @ Wizards	SA 124 – 113	De’Aaron Fox (27 PTS, 6 AST)
Bucks @ Timberwolves	MIN 103 – 100	Anthony Edwards (24 PTS, 8 REB)
Heat @ Knicks	NYK 132 – 125	Jalen Brunson (31 PTS, 9 AST)
Raptors @ Nets	BKN 96 – 81	Nolan Traore (19 PTS, 7 AST)
Rockets @ Kings	SAC 125 – 124	DeMar DeRozan (29 PTS)