Oct 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Bulls guard Nate Robinson drives down the court with a fast break as Bucks guard Beno Udrih trails right beside him during the first half at the United Center. (Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE)
After their disappointing lost to the Timberwolves last week, the Bulls would go on to their next game and defeat the Bucks led by Nate Robinson.
The first quarter began with Robinson gaining possession of the ball. He dished it to Hamilton who scored the first bucket of the game. Harris would than go onto getting the first points for the Bucks, as Larry Sanders passes the rock. Down the stretch of the first quarter and Robinson keeps on getting buckets. From floaters, to 3-point shots from beyond the arch, to free throws, Robinson clearly came to play that game and it showed especially with Kirk Hinrich out. First quarter action done with the Bulls leading 32-30.
Second quarter play underway and Nazr Mohammed gets his first bucket as he scores a jump shot with the help from Robinson and makes a driving layup. Down the stretch and Jimmy Butler helps Robinson, as siting to him as he scores a 3-point shot. Robinon would later return the favor literally seconds later as he steals the ball from Mike Dunleavy and dishes it to Butler for the off-the-glass alley-oop dunk. As well, Marquis Teague, the point guard from Kentucky, drafted by Chicago in this year’s draft finally makes his debut and scores as he makes the easy jump shot. Halftime and Chicago leads 58-51.
With the third quarter in session, Hamilton definitely stepped up. He scores a jump shot after jump shot after making free throws again and again. That’s not to say the rest of the team didn’t step up as they did with Joakim Noah scoring an alley oop layup with the help from Robinson. At the end of the third quarter and the Bulls lead 85-75.
Now, if you think Milwaukee is done with a 10-point deficit, you’re wrong. Milwaukee picked up the pace in the forth, specifically after the 5 minute mark. At the five minutes, 12 second marks, the Bucks trailed 87-92 and later trailed by four with les than one minute remaining. However, the Bulls, as you know now, would end up winning.
For the game itself, Nate Robinson was on point. He scored 24 points and 13 assists. He is clearly capable of being a star point guard if the Bulls need it. He also got all his free throws in (five for five), and got half of his three point buckets in (four for eight). Hamilton was also on point when he scored 23 points.
Still, Brandon Jennings played great for the Bucks, as he scored 13 points, two assists, and one steal. Larry Sanders was the second highest scorer for the Bucks, as he had nine points, two assists, and six rebounds.
The highlight of the game, I have to say came in near the end of the first quarter. Deng inbounded the ball to Robinson with two point one seconds remaining. Robinson would than throw a long range 3-pointer, buzzer beater and some how gets the bucket.
There is always need for improvement. Boozer had just 10 points, only making three of his nine field goals and Deng only had five points as he played for over 30 minutes. He also only made one of his four field goals getting the other points by free throws.
What kept the Bucks in the game were their offensive rebounds as they had 14 and Chicago with 10. They had fewer turnovers as well with 13 and Chicago with 14. As well, they had more fast break points with 10 and Chicago with eight. However Chicago had more points in the paint, scored 88% of their free throws compared to Milwaukee’s 68%, had a better 3-point percentage with 40% compared to Milwaukee’s 38% and lastly Chicago had more field goals as they scored 46% with the Bucks scoring 41%.
Overall, the Chicago played great. At the end of the game the Bulls had 20 assists. Mohammed also had a strong performance and if Noah and him can keep it up in the regular season, Tom Thibodeau would be happy especially considering the fact that Thibodeau always stresses defense first. And as mentioned above, Robinson and Hamilton played spectacular.
The Bulls return to the court again on Friday as they host the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves.