In a thrilling comeback, the Charlotte Hornets stung the Chicago Bulls with a dominant third quarter, snapping their losing streak and leaving fans buzzing with excitement! But here's where it gets controversial: Did the Bulls' injuries play a bigger role in their loss than the Hornets' stellar performance? Let's dive into the details of this electrifying matchup.
On January 3, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets emerged victorious in a 112-99 showdown against the Chicago Bulls, thanks in large part to Miles Bridges' impressive double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds. This win was a much-needed boost for the Hornets, who had dropped three of their last four games and five of their last seven. Interestingly, the Hornets now boast a 5-2 record in the second game of back-to-back matchups, showcasing their resilience under pressure.
Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel were also instrumental in the win, contributing 22 and 18 points, respectively, while LaMelo Ball added 17 points and seven assists. The Hornets' bench depth was truly tested, as they played with a depleted frontcourt due to injuries to Moussa Diabate (wrist), Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow), Mason Plumlee (groin surgery), Grant Williams (knee surgery), and Tidjane Salaun (ankle soreness).
The Bulls, who had been on a roll with two consecutive wins and seven in their last nine games, were led by Nikola Vucevic's 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Matas Buzelis chipped in with 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Chicago’s guards, Josh Giddey (left hamstring) and Coby White (right calf), were notably absent for their third straight game, and Jalen Smith left the game in the third quarter after a collision with Ball, raising concerns about a potential concussion.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where the Hornets outscored the Bulls 32-17, erasing a 15-point deficit. Brandon Miller was on fire, hitting three of the team’s seven 3-pointers in the quarter, while the Bulls struggled from the field, shooting a mere 21.7% (5 for 23). Miller’s clutch 3-pointer with 49.3 seconds left in the quarter gave the Hornets an 82-73 lead, though Ayo Dosunmu’s driving layup narrowed the gap to seven heading into the fourth.
And this is the part most people miss: The Hornets sealed the deal with a 10-0 run in the final period, capped by Miller’s fadeaway jumper that extended their lead to 105-87 with just over four minutes remaining. Charlotte also dominated the boards, outrebounding Chicago 52-43, despite their injury woes.
The Bulls, who finished their homestand at 3-3, had taken a 58-50 lead into halftime, fueled by Dosunmu’s 14 first-half points, including a jaw-dropping half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter. However, their momentum fizzled in the second half, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether the absence of key players was the deciding factor.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Bulls travel to Boston for a matchup against the Celtics. But here’s the burning question: Can the Bulls bounce back from this loss and their mounting injury concerns, or will their season continue to unravel? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
