All season, the Hawks' defense has shown signs of weakness, and after conceding 157 points on the last day against the Pacers, Quin Snyder's players are going on vacation with a well-stocked suitcase: a 131 – 116 defeat in the “play-in” against the Bulls. A logical setback as the Hawks were in the reaction against the aggressive Bulls, like an exceptional Coby White (42 points).
After an observation round where the two teams go blow for blow, it is White, with his usual little “pull-up jumper”, who places a first uppercut (22-16). Clint Capela responds with an “alley-oop”, but the bulls are unleashed: a 9-0 to take a 13-point lead in less than two minutes! Ayo Dosunmu is untenable, and Dalen Terry goes for a dunk. In four minutes, Chicago signed a 20-6 to take the lead (40-22).
But as in any good boxing or MMA fight, the Hawks fight back. In the wake of an impeccable Dejounte Murray, they signed an 11-0 to return to contact. Under the boards, Clint Capela does a big job, and Garrison Mathews lends a helping hand at 3-points (47-42). On the Chicago side, DeRozan is true to himself. After a counter from Dosunmu on De'Andre Hunter, he saved the ship from sinking, and he found a valuable ally in Javonte Green. At the break, the Bulls remained in front: 73 – 67.
Coby White on his cloud
Returning from the locker room, Green confirms that the leaders were smart in signing him for the end of the season. Here he takes off in the alley-oop to set the United Center on fire (83-78). Opposite, Murray doesn't give up, and Trae Young gets involved too (88-85). The Hawks are in contact, and like in the first quarter, they will crack on another uppercut. This time, it's Niko Vucevic who hits a 3-pointer, and once again, White continues. A new 9-0 gives the Bulls a 12-point lead (97-85). In a crazy atmosphere, White reveals his dancing gifts with a sublime “spin move” in the middle of three players. Atlanta is KO: 110 – 89!
This time, the Bulls will not release the pressure, and White, again, tries his hand at the basket from 9 meters away. Bingo! The back of the Bulls is as unleashed as ever, and he keeps the Hawks at 20 – 25 points away, and curiously, Quin Snyder is going to leave his best players on the field until the end. In the end, Chicago won 131-116, and will challenge the Heat on Friday to earn the right to face the Celtics in the first round.
What you must remember
– White scores points. Literally and figuratively, Coby White scored points in the race for best sixth man of the year. He was one of the favorites, and perhaps this performance will convince the voters, who received their ballots on Tuesday, to give him this trophy. His 42 points are a new career record!
– Caruso injured? The Bulls are used to losing major players, and tonight, it was Alex Caruso who limped to the bench. There is talk of a major sprain in his right foot, and his package is almost confirmed for the match against the Heat.
– Trae Young’s latest? What if Young, author of the last basket of the game, had played his last game with the Hawks. This is what is being rumored… The Hawks, disappointing from start to finish, cannot leave with the same group.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
