Chicago Bulls upset Timberwolves in 120-115 comeback

Introduction: Why the upset matters

The chicago bulls upset timberwolves on 22 January 2026 in a 120-115 result that matters for both teams’ playoff positioning and momentum. Upsets between closely ranked rivals can shift confidence and standing late in the regular season; Chicago’s comeback win in Minneapolis was notable because the Bulls trailed by 14 in the first half and held off a late Minnesota surge.

Main body: Game details and turning points

Key moments

In a game played in Minneapolis, the Bulls rallied from a double-digit deficit to beat the Timberwolves 120-115. Chicago weathered a 13-0 Minnesota run in the fourth quarter and produced decisive plays in the final minute. Coby White scored 22 points and hit a corner three-pointer with 1:06 remaining to keep the Bulls within one.

Late-game sequence

With the game tight in the closing seconds, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels lost the ball out of bounds, and Chicago’s Tre Jones converted a layup with 31.1 seconds left. Jalen Smith then made two clutch free throws with 11 seconds remaining, and Minnesota failed to convert on its final possession, sealing the Bulls’ five-point victory.

Bench impact and team stats

The Bulls received a lift from reserve Josh Giddey, who produced 21 points off the bench. The victory moved Chicago to 22-22 (.500) while Minnesota fell to 27-18 (.600) and extended a losing streak. The AP standings snapshot showed Chicago at 22-22 with a three-game winning streak noted, and Minnesota at 27-18 on a four-game slide.

Context

Media coverage of recent meetings between the clubs includes another contest in which Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards scored 49 points in a 127-108 Minnesota victory over Chicago. That performance underscores how results between these teams have swung both ways this season.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook

The upset win gives the Bulls momentum and a morale boost as they sit at .500; for the Timberwolves it raises questions about late-game execution despite high individual scoring outputs in other matchups. Looking ahead, Chicago can build on bench contributions and clutch execution, while Minnesota will need to shore up possession control and defence in tight endings. For fans and playoff watchers, the result is a reminder that divisional matchups remain unpredictable and consequential as the season progresses.