The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 131-116, at United Center in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls jumped out to a great start and led, 40-22, after one quarter. The Hawks responded in the second and outscored the hosts, 45-33, to cut it to a five-point game at the break. The Bulls reclaimed momentum in the third and outscored the Hawks by 12 points in the quarter to carry an 18-point advantage into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as the Bulls cruised to the win, earning a shot to battle for eighth place in the East. On the other hand, this marks the end of the line for the Hawks.
Coby White led the way for the Bulls with 42 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 43 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 24 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while DeMar DeRozan turned in 22 points, six rebounds, nine assists, a steal and a block.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 46 minutes. Clint Capela totaled 22 points, 17 rebounds and four assists, and Trae Young logged 22 points, two rebounds and 10 assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic also came up big, with 21 points five rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
