Derrick Rose's last quarter heroics lead Chicago Bulls to a 76-74 win over Atlanta Hawks - NBA Recap
On Tuesday night, a capacity crowd which had gathered at the United Center to support their home team - Chicago Bulls, witnessed one of the most scintillating games in the shortened season so far.
By the end of the third quarter, the Atlanta Hawks fresh from a win against the mighty Miami Heat, were cruising with a 52-46 lead and the Bulls were apparently down and out.
However, for last year’s MVP, Derrick Rose, the game was not over by any means.
Rose almost single handedly, rattled a 20-6 run in the opening minutes of the deciding frame to bring the Bulls back from the dead - a 19 point third quarter deficit. Hawks, stunned with the onslaught, however did not let the game completely slip and managed a slender lead of 71-68 entering the last two minutes of regulation time.
However after that, they froze completely, allowing Rose and Luol Deng initiated a crucial 8-3 run, capped by Deng’s decisive layup to take Bulls to an outstanding victory.
"We were right there with them," Hawks Al Horford said. "We dominated for most of the game. Just Derrick Rose happened."
Atlanta got one last chance to avoid the defeat when Joe Johnson attempted a three from an uncomfortable position in the last few seconds; however it failed to reach the net.
Rose scored the game high 30 points including 11 for 13 from the free throw line and dished out 7 assists as well. Deng supported him well posted 21 points and 8 boards while Carlos Boozer had 11 points and 9 rebounds as well.
For Hawks, Al Horford drained 16 points while Josh Smith had 15 points to go along with 14 rebounds. Marvin Williams (14) and Joe Johnson (10) were the other two prominent scorers from the Hawks. Their coach Larry Drew was naturally disappointed with the outcome. According to him, Hawks defence weakened in the third frame and they did not utilize the fouls in the clutch time. Hawks shot a meagre 14-25 from the charity stripe in contrast to Bulls 20-26. In crunch games like these, free throws can make a major difference.
"We stopped defending with the intensity that we did in the first three quarters," Hawks coach Larry Drew said. "We didn't make our free throws going down the stretch. If you don't make your free throws on the road you can't expect to win."
Tags: