In stark contrast to the Chicago Bulls' ugly 79-76 Game 3 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the first half of Game 4 on Saturday was a more fast-paced, high-scoring affair. The Bulls shot a scorching 57.5 percent from the field, but the Nets closed the half on an 8-0 to trim the deficit to 58-55.
Nets vs. Bulls, NBA Playoffs 2013 score update: Chicago holds 58-55 lead at halftime
The Bulls’ offense was in high gear in the first half of Game 4 against the Nets, but Brooklyn ended the half on a run to make it a three-point game.
Chicago got numerous excellent contributions from their starting lineup, with Kirk Hinrich's 13 points leading the way. Jimmy Butler has 12 points and Luol Deng has 11.
Deron Williams has bounced back from a couple of rough games, while Brook Lopez has 12 points. Andray Blatche has been strong off the bench, scoring 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting.
Here were three key questions facing the teams heading into this game:
Will P.J. Carlesimo adjust his rotation?
The Nets started with the same starting lineup, and although things started poorly, they got back into the game thanks to Lopez. Blatche and C.J. Watson were the first two off the bench, and Carlesimo has often gone to the three-guard lineup with Watson and Willams that has been rather successful this series. Jerry Stackhouse remained in front of MarShon Brooks in the rotation, but Brooks did see some time toward the end of the first half.
Can Williams get his groove back?
Williams got off to a really rough start, with Hinrich continuing to hassle him into tough shots and a couple of turnovers. But Williams started to heat up as the half wore on, going into the break with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting to go along with seven assists.
Will Carlos Boozer continue to carry the load for the Bulls?
Boozer made his first three shots for six quick points against Reggie Evans, but he was quiet for most of the rest of the half. The Bulls' big man finished the half with ten points and two rebounds on 5-of-7 shooting as other players shouldered much of the scoring load.
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