Atlanta Hawks: Takeaways From Shocking Win Over Bulls

Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Millsap And Schroder Shine When It Matters Most

The Hawks don’t win this game if Dennis Schroder and Paul Millsap don’t will them to victory. When the chips were down, these two rose to the occasion. Millsap hit shot after shot in the fourth quarter when it looked like the Bulls were going to pull away. He then knocked down the three-pointer that sparked their 19-4 run.

Millsap ended his night with 21 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 8-for-14 shooting and 3-for-5 from three-point range. Schroder led the Hawks in scoring with 24 points and nine assists on 7-for-15 shooting and 4-for-6 from three-point distance.

In last week’s contest, the Bulls couldn’t stop Schroder’s penetration. He got into the lane whenever he wanted, leading to points for himself and the rest of the Hawks. That continued Wednesday night, especially in the fourth quarter.

Schroder talked to the media about the comeback after the game.

"“It’s big-time,” Schroder said. “You can see the difference. If we play lazy, don’t play with pace and just play sloppy we go down 15, 10, 20. But if we play with our pace, we can beat everyone. We’ve got to do a better job of playing for 48 minutes, doing it day-in, day-out every game.”"

He makes an interesting point. The Hawks definitely played a sloppy first half. They looked tired, as they should. Their schedule has been unrelenting of late. Somehow they pulled themselves together just in time to pull off an exhilarating comeback.