Atlanta started the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run and never looked back as they defeated the Chicago Bulls 103-95 and took home court advantage away from the East's No. 1 seed in the process. Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford took turns making big shots for the Hawks down the stretch. Johnson scored a game high 34 points while Crawford chipped in 22 points off the bench.
Bulls Vs. Hawks Final Score: Atlanta Holds Off Chicago 103-95
Derrick Rose scored 24 points but needed 27 shots from the floor to do so. In a strange turn of events, Rose twisted his ankle on the final play of the game as Jamal Crawford dribbled the clock out for the Hawks. Rose had to be helped back to the locker room. Luol Deng added 21 points for the Bulls.
Hawks second year guard Jeff Teague got the start for Atlanta tonight and drew the difficult assignment of guarding Rose on defense. Teague played 44 minutes for Atlanta scoring 10 points and five assists. His contribution defensively on Rose can't be overlooked in this victory. The victory gives Atlanta its first lead in a Conference Semi-Finals series since 1988.
Be sure to check out our Bulls vs. Hawks hub for full series coverage. For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Hawks, visit Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.
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