Bulls Overcome 19-Point Deficit to Down the Hawks

"Good teams build deficits, great teams sustain them."   E. Shepard 12-30-11

The Chicago Bulls versus Atlanta Hawks game was a case of: good team builds a lead against a great team and the great team finds a way to win.

It was sloppy and poorly officiated, yet entertaining.  For the Bulls, after being down by as many as 19 in the third quarter, victory was sweet.

So many times watching this game I felt sick to my stomach, but the Bulls came through despite another sluggish start.

The Hawks employed the same zone defense they used to win versus the Miami Heat a night prior.  Derrick Rose found it hard to score early on.  Luol Deng struggled to get free for open shots.  Several jumpers were missed as Atlanta built their lead. 

Allow me to say that no one in the NBA can guard Derrick Rose the way that Atlanta's Jeff Teague does.  Throughout the game, Teague matched him step for step but eventually even he fell victim to the strength and will of Derrick Rose.

This game is not close if it weren't for the defense and energy of center Omer Asik.  The Turkish Terminator finished the game with seven rebounds, three blocks and two very timely assists.

Also key was Deng.  His activity down the stretch helped the Bulls shake out of their early game problems, scoring 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter.

Not to get lost in the shuffle, Carlos Boozer kept the Bulls on pace in the third quarter.  Making some key baskets to at least give the Bulls a fighting chance.

Going forward, teams will try to replicate what Atlanta did defensively by playing a 2-3 zone.  The Bulls didn't have a full compliment of players in the game but with a healthy Richard Hamilton and C.J. Watson, the zone won't be as effective.

Also, foul trouble hindered the effectiveness of Joakim Noah for yet another game.  It might be time to get Asik in earlier to preserve Noah so he will be available in the later parts of games.

Overall, great comeback by a great team.  Imagine how dangerous they can be getting off on good starts regularly.