Bulls Fall To a Hot Atlanta Team, 93-86, On Road

In the second game of a back to back, one doesn't want to face a good team. The Chicago Bulls did just that in playing the Atlanta Hawks, with a 17-7 league record.

The Bulls fell on the road in a contested game, with an injured Joakim Noah sitting on the bench looking like he'd rather be on the court, 93-86.

Atlanta, one of the surprises this season, is putting it together.  They are opportunistic, look for the open man, and have decent team speed. They also have Kyle Korver, one of the most accurate 3 point specialists in NBA History.  He was 4-8 from beyond the arc. The Hawks know how to spread the court and Chicago had a problem defending that.  Al Horford scored 21 for Atlanta while Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 22 points.

The front court of Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson played very well.  Each having a double-double.  Gasol scored 13 with 12 rebounds, and Gibson had an excellent game with 15 points and 17 rebounds.

Atlanta did not let Rose move to the hoop and he was forced to shoot longer shots. He had 14 points
Mike Dunleavy, the fifth starter had 11 points.

"Give them credit." said coach Tom Thibodeau. He wasn't displeased with the team's effort. They had 57 rebounds in the game. They didn't shoot the ball well,  37.6% from the floor.  However, "Thibs" loved Butler's effort. "You can't say enough about him," he said. (He's) having an All-Star season."

Noah is nursing a sore ankle and hopefully will be back on the court soon.