The Chicago Bulls were able to keep their postseason hopes alive with a big win on Saturday afternoon. Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler combined for 57 points to lead the Bulls to a 106-104 victory in Chicago. The Atlanta Hawks, who are still amongst the NBA Playoff picture, were still without their All-Star Paul Millsap due to his recent knee issues. Big performances fro Rondo and Butler, key free throws down the stretch, and the Hawks' inability to hit a last-second shot were the ultimate reasons for their latest loss. Here's a look at how the Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Bulls vs. Hawks recap
The Chicago Bulls received 25 points from point guard Rajon Rondo and 32 points from All-Star Jimmy Butler on Saturday. Butler also added eight assists and five rebounds, while Rondo had 11 rebounds and six assists.
Butler's biggest two points came within the final seconds of the game as he was fouled by Kent Bazemore with two seconds to go. Butler nailed both his shots from the charity stripe to make it a 106-104 Bulls' lead. Tim Hardaway Jr. had the final shot but his 28-foot three-point attempt missed and the buzzer sounded with Chicago victorious.
While Atlanta shot over 44 percent for the game, the Bulls shot 47 percent. Both teams had at least a dozen turnovers and under 20 free throw attempts.
The Hawks won the rebounding battle 45-40 and actually surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulls 38-27. Unfortunately for them, the Bulls were able to hold them off in the fourth. Atlanta got 29 points on 12-for-19 shooting from Dennis Schroder in the loss. Hardaway Jr. added 20, while Dwight Howard had a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards.
NBA standings & what's next
The Bulls' win boosted their record for the season to 37-39 overall. In the current East standings, Chicago has now moved into the playoff picture, ousting the Indiana Pacers from their spot. The Bulls are currently the No. 7 seed if the playoffs began today. Next up, Chicago faces the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Eastern Time.
The Atlanta Hawks are now 39-37 after the loss. They have yet to clinch a playoff spot but are holding the No. 6 seed as of today. Atlanta will try to bounce back from today's loss with their next game. They'll play against the Nets in Brooklyn on Sunday starting at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.