A brief recap of the Hawks’ 93-86 home win over the Bulls, which snapped a six-game losing streak to Chicago:
How the game was won: Al Horford played one of his best games of the young season with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and the Hawks held off a flurry of charges by the Bulls to win for the 10th time in 11 games.
The Hawks (17-7) led most of the way despite being slaughtered 57-40 on the boards, but every time Chicago (15-9) pulled close, Atlanta made a critical play. The clinching shots were free throws by Jeff Teague, whose pair with 14.3 seconds left gave the Hawks a 91-86 lead. Paul Millsap scored 17.
Turning point: The Bulls pulled to within 89-86 before Butler intercepted Kyle Korver's pass into the lane to DeMarre Carroll. Korver quickly tied up Butler to force a jump ball, and although he didn't control it, an ensuing loose ball landed in Millsap's hands. He quickly passed to Teague, who was fouled and went on to hit the critical free throws.
Number: +6. Atlanta made the most of a plus-six advantage in turnovers, as they coughed up just 10 to Chicago's 16.
Next: The Hawks will take a flight Tuesday to Cleveland, where they hope to perform better Wednesday night than when they were there on Nov. 15. Nobody wants any more of anything like that 127-94 loss. From there, the Hawks will fly again for a Texas Two-step, playing Saturday at Houston and Monday at Dallas.
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