Atlanta 106, Chicago Bulls 103 | Mar. 28, 2008
| Philips Arena
The Basics
Links:
Recap |
Box
Score |
Post-Game Press Conference |
Game Highlights |
Quotes
- The Hawks led by as many as 18 points but had to hang on to beat the Bulls
106-103 on Friday night at Philips Arena. The Bulls scored the first basket of
the game to go up 2-0 but that was their only lead of the night.
- Atlanta got
some help from the Pacers who downed the Nets 123-115 , allowing the Hawks
to build on their small but growing lead in the Eastern Conference playoff
race.
- Mike Bibby was the difference for the Hawks, scorching the Bulls
for 30 points on 11-15 shooting, including a 6-8 mark from long range.
- Both Josh Smith and Marvin Williams picked up double-doubles. Smith had
12 points to go with 10 boards while Marvin one-upped him, putting up 13
points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
- Not to be overlooked, Joe Johnson 19
points and 7 assists, hitting clutch shots down the stretch to hold off the
surging Bulls.
- The Hawks have won two-in-a-row and can go for three on
Sunday afternoon when they host the New York Knicks.
Photo Of The Night
Joe Johnson hits a key jumper late in the game.
What
You Really Need To Know
Mike Bibby couldn't miss and the Philips faithful got their money's worth as the
Hawks led for all but the opening 1:38 of the game. The Hawks now have a 1.5
game edge over the ninth place Nets. The Hawks were out for revenge after
Tuesday night's loss in Chicago- a game they could have and probably should have
won. Not only was tonight a huge win for the Hawks, but it was extra sweet
because it put a big damper on Chicago's playoff hopes.
Fantasy MVP: Mike Bibby/Josh Smith
Have I mentioned Mike Bibby yet? 30 points, 8 assists, 3 boards and a steal for
good measure. And no turnovers. Josh Smith had a nice line as well with 12
points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks and an assist.
Momentum Changer
It's hard to say the momentum changed since the Hawks led for almost the entire
game, but in the dying minutes with the game still in doubt Joe Johnson hit a
fade away jumper to put the Hawks up 101-98 with 1:32 remaining and then
converted two free throws with 17 seconds remaining when the Bulls had once
again cut the lead to a single point. That's clutch basketball. When Chicago
came within one for a third time Josh Childress found an open Al Horford who
jammed home the final points of the night.
What Went Right
- The Hawks' best players were their best players as Bibby and Johnson led
the way for Atlanta. In addition to Bibby's game-high total, all five
Atlanta starters finished in double figures as Joe Johnson had 19, Al
Horford finished with 16 and Marvin Williams and Josh Smith had 13 and 12
respectively.
- Atlanta won the battle on the boards, out-rebounding Chicago 46-36,
including a 15-9 edge in the offensive end.
- The Hawks got to the line, taking 44 free throw attempts. They only
converted
on 72.7% so it's a good thing they got plenty of opportunities. They still
topped Chicago's 20-28 mark (71.4%) from the charity stripe.
What Could Have Gone Better
- Outside of Mike Bibby the only Hawks who shot better that .500 were Al
Horford (4-7) and Zaza (2-3). Josh Smith went 3-10 and Joe Johnson was an
uncharacteristic 7-24.
- The Hawks led by as many as 19 points but
struggled to put the game away in the second half and were outscored 34-25
in the fourth quarter.
Quote of the Night
“They
were being the aggressor, getting to the foul line, cutting the lead down,
slowing the game up by getting to the line and getting fouls called. But we kept
with it, even though we didn’t shoot our best from the line tonight. Al Horford
gave us eight-for-eight, which was big. We really needed it. It just shows the
maturity of everybody growing up, and finding a way to win.”
-- Josh Smith on fending off the Bulls' late surge.
View From The Seats
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