Atlanta Hawks Show Tenacity In Win Over Desperate Bulls

The Atlanta Hawks are winners of 9 of their last 10 games after defeating the Bulls on Monday night in what was a tightly contested finish at the United Center.

In a game that saw both teams hold double-digit leads, the Atlanta Hawks hung tough at the end when Chicago went on a run and pulled out a victory that they most likely would not have won two months, or even one month, ago.

After a loss to the Golden State Warriors at home on Feb. 22, the Hawks were a mere four games better than .500, having lost three straight. Atlanta was battling for its playoff life — quite the contrast from the team that won 60 games a year ago and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Since then, however, the Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the association, going 14-3, and now are third in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

On Monday night, the Atlanta Hawks faced a difficult road test against a reeling Bulls team. After a 111-89 defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic on Saturday, a team meeting was held in which Chicago vowed to return to form.

For the first quarter of the contest, the Bulls looked like the contender that many pundits believed them to be in the preseason. Chicago got out to a 31-22 lead going into the second quarter, bolstered by the hot shooting of Pau Gasol and an energized Derrick Rose.

Despite facing a deficit and adversity that they have not seen in a while, the Atlanta Hawks remained composed. On the back of the second ranked defense in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks fought back, eventually reclaiming the lead and stretching it out to 52-45 at the half.

The Hawks continued their great play in the third quarter, aided by a revitalized Jeff Teague. After a difficult start to the 2015-16 season, Teague has returned to his All-Star form as of late, and showed it on Monday. Teague finished with 26 points, seven assists and six rebounds on 9-of-18 shooting.

Fourteen of his 26 points came in the third quarter, allowing the Hawks to build a 15-point lead.

Mar 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) shoots against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Hawks led by nine at 80-71 going into the fourth quarter; but against a desperate Bulls team, the lead was not safe. A fourth quarter run by Chicago cut into the Hawks’ margin, eventually getting it to 92-91 with less than three minutes left in the game.

Behind Aaron Brooks, the Bulls kept it close; and with the help of the raucous crowd, it looked as if past inconsistencies of the Hawks had come back. Chicago tied the game with a minute remaining; but then something happened. Something that Hawks fans have not seen so far this year in close games. Atlanta got a stop.

With Al Horford and Paul Millsap (who finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks) providing excellent defense near the basket, Kent Bazemore secured an all important rebound. Behind some clutch free throws by Teague, the Hawks built a 98-93 lead, and it looked like the worst had past.

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That was not the case, as Jimmy Butler sank a three-pointer and was fouled on the play by Millsap. After the completion of the four-point play, the Hawks lead was down to one at 98-97 with 19.6 remaining in the contest. More adversity hit the Hawks, who just could not kill a last-gasp comeback from a Bulls team fighting for their lives.

On the inbound pass on the next offensive possession, Kyle Korver was fouled, and calmly sank two free throws. During ensuing Bulls possession, Atlanta got another defensive stop, sealing the game in favor of the visitors.

While one game may seem trivial to some, this was one of the biggest victories for the Atlanta Hawks this season, if merely to demonstrate that this team has come a long way. As mentioned before, the team that lost to Golden State a month ago at home would not have won this game — especially not a close contest in a hostile environment on the road.

This victory is huge for the Hawks. After a severe letdown to close out the regular season last year, and all their struggles in the postseason, a win like this helps Mike Budenholzer’s club get into a playoff state of mind: giving the team more experience in winning close games in a rancorous environment.

Next: Kyle Korver's Shot Has Returned

The schedule is brutal from here on out, with two games against the Raptors, two games against the Cavs, along with contests against the Celtics, Wizards and Suns. Though it’s only one win, Monday’s victory could portend good things to come for the Atlanta Hawks.

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