Some bad free throw shooting from Atlanta and a big comeback for the Bulls led by Derrick Rose proved too much for the Hawks who fall 76-74. Atlanta missed three free throws in the final moments and Joakim Noah found Luol Deng for the go-ahead bucket with just over three seconds remaining.
Atlanta led by as many as 19 points in the game but you could see the tired legs start to affect the Hawks as the Bulls went on their run. Derrick Rose scored 17 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter. Luol Deng finished with 21 points and eight rebounds including the game-winning basket. Carlos Boozer finished with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Even after blowing the lead, the Hawks had their chances to win the game. Josh Smith hit a jump shot with just 43 seconds remaining to put the Hawks back on top 73-72 and ran down a Derrick Rose miss on the Bulls ensuing possession. Smith passed off to Jeff Teague who was fouled as the Bulls stopped the clock. Teague missed both attempts at the line and the Bulls re-took the lead with a Rose lay in.
On the Hawks next possession, Al Horford was fouled and took his turn at the line with Atlanta trailing 74-73. Horford missed the first and made the second to set up Deng's game winner.
Al Horford led the Hawks with 16 points and seven rebounds. Josh Smith logged a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Marvin Williams chipped in with 14 points and eight boards. Joe Johnson had a dreadful shooting night finishing with 10 points on 3-17 shooting. The Hawks made just 14-25 free throw attempts in the two point loss.
For more on this game, Hawks fans should visit Peachtree Hoops and Bulls fans should stop by Blog A Bull. For more news and analysis be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA Hub.