The Bulls Hold on, Beat the Hawks 106–104
Chicago moves up to 7th in the East after taking down Atlanta.
I’ve always liked a good matinee.
Even though the Bulls 106–104 victory wasn’t very aesthetically pleasing, the end of this game was pretty entertaining. The performer who made the whole afternoon worthwhile? — Jimmy Butler. The Bulls were up ten, they were down ten, but Chicago’s superstar didn’t let Chicago die.
The narrative has been consistent throughout this frustrating season. Head coach Fred Hoiberg’s team has had no business being in certain games, and Jimmy Butler, somehow, someway, gets the job done. Saturday’s game was no different. He finished with 33 points on 11-for-21 shooting, dished out eight assists, and grabbed five rebounds.
Chicago started out hot and were able to outscore the Hawks 23–21 after one quarter of play. Paul Zipser scored eight in the first frame, but after that, failed to make much of an impact. The man who got things going for the Bulls was Rajon Rondo. Recently, the Bulls point guard has strung together some really good games, and has even started stretching the floor knocking down threes. At the half Chicago found themselves up 52–46.
Coming out of the half, Chicago looked like a team that was still snacking on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead of coming out with an edge. The Hawks outscored the Bulls by eleven in the third quarter, as Atlanta point guard Dennis Schroder was able to get to the basket at will. He finished with 29 points on 12-of-19 shooting, along with passing out 6 assists. It looked like Chicago ran out of gas and Mike Budenholzer’s team looked ready to lock down a victory. The Bulls’ ten-point lead had vanished, and an Atlanta ten-point lead had emerged.
However, Jimmy Butler does not care about ten-point leads. He only conquers them. He lead the Bulls down the stretch just as he’s done all season long, and taking it upon himself to do what has to be done. Chicago rallied back and with 2.1 seconds left after two Atlanta free throws — its was Butler’s to either win or tie. He took the first option — driving right and drawing a foul. The Hawks had a chance to win but Tim Hardaway Jr.’s shot just missed.
With the win, Chicago tied the Pacers and Heat record wise. Since the Bulls hold both of the tiebreakers they now sit in the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference. They will take on the Pelicans Sunday night.
