Hawks at Bulls
THE STORY: If the Chicago Bulls need a reminder of just how tough an
opponent the Atlanta Hawks can be, all they need to do is scan the
results of Monday's games. Atlanta continued its strong start by going
into Miami and handing LeBron James and Co. their first loss of the
season by a 100-92 count. The Hawks showed their mettle in derailing the
Heat, erasing a four-point deficit entering the fourth quarter and
pulling away down the stretch. Atlanta will look to pull off a daily
double when it visits the Bulls on Tuesday in a rematch of last season's
second-round playoff series. Chicago lost the opening game of that
series at home before finally putting away the Hawks in six games. It
might be asking too much of Atlanta to beat the two teams considered to
be the best in the Eastern Conference on consecutive nights – and on the
road no less.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBA TV, SportSouth (Atlanta), CS Chicago
ABOUT THE HAWKS (4-1):
Injuries have taken a toll on Tracy McGrady over the past few seasons,
but the former NBA scoring champion delivered a blast from the past
Monday. McGrady, who signed with Atlanta to take on a reserve role,
scored a season-high 16 points – his fourth game in double figures – and
supplied a dagger to the Heat's comeback with two 3-pointers in the
final 2 1/2 minutes. He added seven rebounds and four assists.
ABOUT THE BULLS: (4-1):
Chicago showed why it was the league’s best home team last season when
it pulverized Memphis by 40 points after returning from a season-opening
four-game road trip. The Bulls already have injury concerns in their
backcourt. Shooting guard Richard Hamilton (groin) missed Sunday’s game
and is expected to be a game-time decision. Backup point guard C.J.
Watson sprained his left elbow and will likely sit out Tuesday. Ronnie
Brewer scored 17 points subbing for Hamilton.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. McGrady scored 13 points in the fourth quarter Monday, his highest output in one quarter since November 2008.
2.
Brewer is shooting 61.5 percent (8 of 13) from the foul line, 63.0
percent (17 of 27) from the floor and has made all four 3-point
attempts.