This tantalizing duel in the Eastern Conference begins in favor of the Bulls, who after only 3 minutes lead 10-0. The Hawks are struggling to enter their match after several days without playing, like a Trae Young embarrassed by the aggressive defense of Ayo Dosunmu. Finally, and despite DeMar DeRozan’s heat stroke (16 points), Nate McMillan’s men wake up at the end of the quarter, under the impetus of their bench, and remain at a reasonable distance from the Bulls after the first twelve minutes. (24-19).
At the start of the second quarter, newcomer Tristan Thompson shines. Well served under the panels, he chained a few baskets and allowed Chicago to maintain control (36-27).
But the Hawks are valiant, and despite the offensive discretion of Trae Young, they remain in contact, thanks to Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela. Under the impetus of its international duo, Atlanta erases its delay and puts pressure on Chicago when joining the locker room for halftime (52-50).
The DeRozan Show
In the second half, the noose tightens around the Bulls. Despite the rise of Zach LaVine, who scored 8 points in a few minutes, Chicago was struggling in defense, and under the impetus of Kevin Huerter at first, then of a still as skilful Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Hawks end up taking the lead halfway through the third quarter (67-65). After 36 minutes, the two formations look eye to eye (82-82).
The final act, as so often this season at the United Center, turns into a “DeRozan show”. The winger has a new heat stroke at the start of the last quarter, and the Bulls then think they have done the hardest part (104-96). Except that the Hawks react, inflict a 9-0 on the locals, and take the lead at the start of the “money-time” (105-104). The rear/winger then puts on the savior’s cape one last time and scores 5 consecutive points in the last minute to put his team back on track (109-105). Then after a final defensive stop, the Bulls secure the victory, their 6th consecutive (112-108).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
DeMar DeRozan, historical. The Bulls winger signed an 8th consecutive game with 35+ points on the clock (37 points, 15/21). This places him second in the history of the Chicago franchise, behind, of course, Michael Jordan, who achieved this performance for 10 games in a row during the 1985/86 season. He also adds 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and above all a grandiose “money-time”, one more this season. Offensively, the Compton native is on cloud nine in this 2021/22 fiscal year. To the point of shaking records affiliated with “MJ”!
Brick alert at the United Center! Outside shooting fans have itchy eyes after this meeting: the two teams have accumulated a terrible 16/55 behind the arc (8/28 for Atlanta, 8/27 for Chicago)! It was rather at mid-distance and under the panels that the outcome of this match was decided.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅DeMar DeRozan. We have already said and written everything about this season and yet he continues to amaze us with his composure and his leadership! We’re going to have to start seriously thinking about him as MVP…
✅Bogdan Bogdanovic. Although replacing the in-between, the Serbian rear was the best player for the Hawks, with in particular a big offensive activity in the second half to compensate for the discretion of Trae Young, in difficulty on this match. “Bogi” compiled 27 points (11/24), 5 rebounds and 3 assists, but unfortunately missed the equalizer shot in the final seconds.
✅ Ayo Dosunmu. The rookie finished the game with 12 points (5/9), 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks. But beyond the statistics, it is his defensive activity, all the efforts that cannot be seen in the match sheet, which have been remarkable. Holder at the back in the absence of Lonzo Ball, he made life difficult for Trae Young, who struggled to free himself from the long segments of the former Illinois player.
✅ Danilo Gallinari. John Collins absent, the Italian started in position 4. Shy in the first half, then discreet in the third quarter, he caught fire in the final act (12 points), when the Hawks made doubt the Bulls. Despite the defeat, he comes close to double-double (26 points, 9 rebounds) and delivers one of his best games of the season.
⛔️ Trae Young. The evening was painful for “Ice Trae”. Harassed by Ayo Dosunmu in defense throughout the game, he failed to find his rhythm in attack, and finished with only 14 points, at 3/17! He compensated with a very good distribution (10 assists), but his overall performance is disappointing.
THE FOLLOWING
Chicago (39-21): Memphis Saturday reception
Atlanta (28-31): reception of the Raptors on Saturday
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