Wizards Hold Off Bulls 124-120 Behind Trae Young’s 25 Points

The Washington Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls 124-120 on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at United Center, with Trae Young leading the winners with 25 points and nine assists. Washington outscored Chicago 40-20 in the third quarter, then held off a fourth-quarter comeback despite Caleb Wilson’s game-high 30 points and 14 rebounds.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Wizards Take a Narrow Lead

Washington finished the opening quarter ahead 28-27. That one-point margin offered little separation before a second period that shifted the advantage to Chicago.

Second Quarter: Bulls Move Ahead at Halftime

The Bulls outscored the Wizards 35-29 in the second quarter to take a 62-57 halftime lead. Chicago produced 62 first-half points, but its offense would slow considerably after the break.

Third Quarter: Washington Takes Control

The decisive stretch came in the third, when Washington doubled Chicago’s output, 40-20. The 20-point quarterly advantage turned a five-point deficit into a 97-82 lead entering the fourth. Washington scored more points in that period than in any other quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Chicago’s Comeback Falls Short

Chicago responded with its highest-scoring quarter, outpacing Washington 38-27. The Bulls reduced the 15-point deficit to four by the finish, but the Wizards had enough separation to come away with the regulation win.

Key Performers

• Trae Young, Washington: Led the Wizards with 25 points and nine assists, topping the team in both categories.
• Justin Champagnie, Washington: Collected a team-high 14 rebounds as the Wizards finished with a 49-44 advantage on the boards.
• Caleb Wilson, Chicago: Led all scorers with 30 points and added 14 rebounds for a double-double.
• Josh Giddey, Chicago: Finished with a team-high 10 assists, accounting for 40% of the Bulls’ 25 assists.

NerdSports Stat: Washington outscored Chicago 70-56 on two-point baskets. That 14-point advantage offset the Bulls’ combined 10-point edge from 3-pointers and free throws, leaving the Wizards with their four-point winning margin.

Game Analysis: Two-Point Production Makes the Difference

Washington’s more efficient shooting helped separate the teams. The Wizards made 45 of 95 field-goal attempts, shooting 47.4%, while Chicago finished 40-for-93 at 43.0%. Washington also recorded 28 assists to Chicago’s 25 and secured five more rebounds.

Neither team shot especially well from beyond the arc. Washington went 10-for-33 from 3-point range, or 30.3%, while Chicago made 12 of 43 attempts, or 27.9%. The Bulls took 10 more threes but gained only six points over Washington from those shots.

Chicago’s free-throw accuracy helped keep the final margin close. The Bulls converted 28 of 30 attempts, a 93.3% rate, compared with Washington’s 24-for-28 performance. Those advantages at the line and from long range were not enough to overcome Washington’s two-point scoring or the third-quarter turnaround.

Closing Context: Wizards Improve to 2-1

Washington improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 on the road, while Chicago fell to 1-2 overall and 0-1 at home. Both Eastern Conference teams return to action Monday, October 26: the Wizards host the Charlotte Hornets at 4:00 p.m. PDT, and the Bulls host the Boston Celtics at 4:30 p.m. PDT.

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