The Chicago Bulls started the game in Atlanta as if continuing from the previous night against Sacramento: On fire and unstoppable. The last time the Bulls won in Atlanta was in December of 2009 (span of 6 games). The Bulls have won back-to-back games by 30 or more points, including tonight’s 114-81 contest.
If you haven’t taken the Bulls seriously yet, need you be reminded of what Michael Jordan said on March 12, 2011 during the halftime ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bulls’ first championship (’91)?
“You guys are in store for a lot of other championships. You look at this team tonight; don’t be surprised if you don’t have six more coming.”
Well, while everyone’s busy paying all their attention to teams like Boston and Miami, Chicago will be climbing to the top playing basketball the way it’s supposed to be played: With heart and intensity on both ends of the court. The Bulls play hard as a team and that is what will get them far.
In the first half alone even with Atlanta shooting 52%, the Bulls managed to score 72 points (41 in the 2nd quarter) and have a comfortable 29 point lead.
Luol Deng shot 10-15 tallying 27 points and MVP candidate Derrick Rose went 11-20 (6-8 behind the arc) for 30 points and 10 assists. The Bulls aren’t relying on their starters; their roster goes deep, with their bench chipping in 37 points.
The Bulls out-rebounded the Hawks 40-26, while out-scoring them 48-18 in the paint.
Hawks C-F Al Horford chipped in 14 points but left the game in the 3rd with a strained hamstring. Jeff Teague score 20 points on 6-9 shooting.
The Bulls are now 10-1 since losing in Atlanta on March 2, 2011.
Bulls Extras: The Bulls shot 54.4% on the floor, and went 10-18 behind the arc (55.6%)…Bulls forced the Hawks to 13 turnovers… Bulls scored a season high 41 points in the 2nd quarter and season high 71 in the first half…Now have a record of 51-19…Bulls will host the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center Friday, March 25th
