If the Atlanta Hawks figure out a way to win Game 5, Hawks fans are going to have to thank one of the unlikeliness of heroes.
Zaza Pachulia has 11 points off the bench to help the Hawks halve the deficit through two quarters as the Chicago Bulls took a 48-42 lead over Atlanta at the half at the United Center on Tuesday.
Derrick Rose and Luol Deng have 15 points each for the Bulls, who are looking to take a pivotal 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series.
The Hawks chipped away at what was an 11-point deficit with some solid play by Pachulia in the frame. The Atlanta center connected on 4 of 5 shots and 3 of 4 free throws as the Hawks willed their way back into the game with a gritty second quarter.
Atlanta entered the half on the precipice of making this one a ballgame.
Josh Smith has eight points and four boards and Al Horford also posted eight for the Hawks, who are probably just a Joe Johnson hot streak away from hanging with the Bulls.
Johnson has had trouble finding his game in this one, posting six points on 2-for-7 shooting from the field. Also MIA is Jamal Crawford, who has just two points in the first half.
The Hawks have their inside game working and Al Horford has his touch from mid-range. If the jumpers start falling for Johnson and Crawford, it could be one of those nights where Atlanta sneaks away with a win. Of course, that's a big "if." The Bulls defense has been solid getting in the fact of Johnson and Crawford and making their looks difficult, just like in Games 2 and 3.
Carlos Boozer has eight points and Keith Bogans also netted eight for Chicago, which connected on 52-percent (17-for-33) of their shots in the first two quarters.