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Bulls Suffer Another Loss to Hornets

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/17/bulls-suffer-another-loss-to-hornets.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 4:36 GMT by Chicago Sun-Times
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Chicago, IL - February 17, 2026 - The Chicago Bulls faced another disheartening defeat on Tuesday night, succumbing to the Charlotte Hornets 118-112 in a game marred by late-game errors and a collapsing defensive structure. The loss marks the fifth in the Bulls' last seven contests, further dimming their playoff hopes and raising questions about the team's ability to consistently close out games.

The Bulls showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly on the offensive end, shooting an impressive 52% from the field. They built a substantial 12-point lead in the third quarter, suggesting a potential victory was within reach. However, the Hornets mounted a furious comeback fueled by a porous Bulls defense and a series of crucial mistakes, ultimately snatching the win.

Zach LaVine spearheaded the Bulls' offensive attack, delivering a strong performance with 32 points and seven assists. Patrick Williams contributed a solid 18 points, while veteran DeMar DeRozan added 16. Despite these individual efforts, the Bulls' inability to contain the Hornets' offense proved to be their downfall. LaMelo Ball orchestrated the Hornets' attack, finishing with 28 points and 12 assists, constantly exploiting weaknesses in Chicago's perimeter defense.

Coach Billy Donovan highlighted the team's lack of execution as the primary culprit for the loss. "We just didn't execute," he stated post-game. "We weren't able to get stops when we needed to." This sentiment underscores a recurring theme for the Bulls this season - moments of strong play overshadowed by critical breakdowns at crucial times.

The fourth quarter witnessed a concerning disintegration of the Bulls' defensive strategy. The Hornets repeatedly found seams in the Bulls' defense, driving to the basket with ease and converting on open looks. This defensive lapse was compounded by a string of turnovers and questionable shot selections by the Bulls, handing the Hornets momentum and ultimately control of the game.

Several key moments exemplified the Bulls' unraveling. A technical foul assessed to Patrick Williams following a disagreement with a referee occurred during a Hornets fast break, gifting the opponent an easy scoring opportunity. DeMar DeRozan's turnover, attempting a risky spin move near mid-court, further stalled the Bulls' offensive rhythm. These errors, while seemingly isolated, painted a picture of a team struggling to maintain composure under pressure.

"We've got to be better," LaVine emphasized, echoing the frustration felt throughout the locker room. "We've got to be tougher. We've got to execute." The sentiment is a familiar one, indicating a growing awareness within the team of their shortcomings.

The Bulls now hold a 22-33 record, leaving them 3.5 games behind the sixth-place Orlando Magic in the competitive Eastern Conference standings. This gap presents a significant challenge to their playoff aspirations. With each loss, the margin for error narrows, and the pressure to perform consistently intensifies. The team is facing an uphill battle to regain their footing and salvage the remainder of the season.

Donovan acknowledged the ongoing struggles and stressed the need for improved poise and composure down the stretch. However, finding solutions is proving increasingly difficult. The Bulls have struggled with consistency throughout the season, often oscillating between periods of promising play and frustrating collapses. The front office may need to consider more substantial changes if the current trajectory continues.

Analysts are beginning to question the long-term fit of the current roster. While LaVine, DeRozan, and Williams represent a core of talented players, their collective shortcomings on the defensive end are becoming increasingly apparent. The Bulls may need to explore trade options to address their defensive deficiencies and add more complementary pieces to the puzzle. The upcoming trade deadline could prove to be a pivotal moment for the franchise.

For now, the Bulls are left with a bitter taste of defeat and the daunting task of regrouping before their next game. They must address their defensive vulnerabilities, improve their execution in crunch time, and rediscover the consistency needed to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The path to the playoffs remains steep, but the Bulls' fate is still within their control - if they can overcome their current struggles and find a way to play with more resilience and determination.