Schuster: Bulls Even Series
By: David Schuster
It definitely wasn't a Picasso but a win is a win and the Bulls have evened up their series with Atlanta at one game a piece. The final in game 2 was the Bulls 86 and the Hawks 73.
It more resembled a pre season game what with sloppy play and poor shooting but the Bulls played better defense and displayed a lot more energy. Atlanta was held to just 34% shooting and they were out-rebounded 58-39.
Derrick Rose playing on a gimpy ankle still managed to score a game high 25 points to go along with 10 assists. But that ankle still caused him to shoot just 1 of 8 from three point range and he also turned the ball over 8 times.
Carlos Boozer was also playing with a painful toe injury and it definitely hampered him jumping. Boozer had a handful of shots blocked but he still managed 11 boards and Tom Thibodeau says he is still helping the team win.
Also aiding the victory was Luol Deng who had 14 points and 12 boards and played some tight defense on Joe Johnson. Johnson scored 34 points in the opener but was held to 16 on Wednesday night. And then there was Joakim Noah who was a major factor with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
So it's on to Atlanta where the Bulls dont care if they win a couple more ugly games. The operative word being win. That's all that counts at this time of the year.
