Bulls Match Season High Win Streak as Jalen Smith Stuns Joel Embiid in Late Run
The Chicago Bulls delivered a statement victory at the United Center on Friday night, December 26, 2025, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 109-92 in a game that will be remembered for a single, gravity defying moment. With the game hanging in the balance during the fourth quarter, Bulls forward Jalen Smith ignited a decisive scoring run with a thunderous baseline drive and dunk over reigning MVP Joel Embiid. The highlight-reel play sent the home crowd into a frenzy and propelled Chicago to its fifth consecutive victory, matching a season high and evening their record at 15-15.
The matchup was billed as a clash of styles, with Chicago’s balanced, fast paced attack facing off against the star-heavy rotation of the 76ers. Philadelphia entered the contest with their "Big Three" of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all in the lineup, a rarity this season due to various injuries. While Embiid finished with a game high 31 points and Maxey added 27, the 76ers struggled to find a cohesive rhythm, ultimately falling to 0-4 this season when all three stars play together.
The Dunk That Changed the Game
The fourth quarter began with both teams struggling to find the bottom of the net, shooting a combined 4 for 20 over the first few minutes of the period. Philadelphia held a slim 102-99 lead after Embiid used his size to score on a tough turnaround jumper with just under three minutes remaining. However, those would be the final points the 76ers would score for the rest of the night.
On the ensuing possession, Jalen Smith received the ball on the perimeter, saw an opening along the baseline, and took off. As Joel Embiid rotated to protect the rim, Smith rose high and hammered home a one-handed slam directly over the 7-foot center. The "poster" dunk didn't just add two points to the scoreboard; it shifted the psychological momentum of the game entirely. Chicago closed the contest on a 10-0 run, fueled by the energy from Smith’s highlight.
Balanced Scoring Carries the Bulls
While Smith provided the emotional spark, the Bulls relied on a truly democratic offensive effort to dismantle the Philadelphia defense. Tre Jones and Zach Collins were instrumental off the bench, each contributing 15 points. Their ability to push the pace in transition and navigate the pick and roll allowed Chicago to exploit the slower defensive rotations of the 76ers' frontcourt.
Coby White also stepped up in the clutch, scoring nine of his 13 points in the final frame. Following Smith's dunk, White buried a cold blooded step back three pointer that gave Chicago a lead they would never relinquish. White also added seven rebounds and six assists, showcasing the playmaking growth that has defined his season. Josh Giddey continued his impressive run of form as well, recording a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists, consistently finding open shooters as the Philadelphia defense collapsed on the paint.
76ers Struggle to Close
For the Philadelphia 76ers, the loss was a sobering reminder of the chemistry issues still plaguing their star studded roster. Despite Embiid’s 31 points, the team’s offensive process stalled in the closing minutes. Philadelphia shot a dismal 23.8 percent in the fourth quarter and 37.6 percent for the game. Paul George, who missed 15 games earlier this season, finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds but struggled to find his shooting stroke from the perimeter.
The Bulls' defense, anchored by Nikola Vucevic and Matas Buzelis, was relentless in the closing stretch. Vucevic recorded a crucial block on a Tyrese Maxey layup attempt shortly after Smith’s dunk, leading to a transition score for Tre Jones. Buzelis, the Bulls' promising rookie, grabbed eight rebounds and chipped in 10 points, proving he can hold his own against elite competition.
With this victory, Chicago has successfully salvaged a season that started 5-10, proving that their "no quit" attitude is a cornerstone of the team’s identity. Head coach Billy Donovan praised the group’s resiliency, noting that the win was a "grind it out" victory typical of a team coming off the Christmas holiday. The Bulls will look to extend their streak to six as they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
The 76ers, meanwhile, must head back to the drawing board as they continue their five game road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Finding a way to integrate Embiid, Maxey, and George into a winning system remains the top priority for coach Nick Nurse as the calendar turns to 2026.