Philippines, 18 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Hawks swoop Game 1


PhilBoxing.com





Eastern Conference Semis

When Joe Johnson was at the cusp of free agency last July, the Bulls, Knicks, Heat and Clippers were among the teams that aggressively pursued him.

The courtship ended abruptly when the Atlanta Hawks tendered a six-year, $119 million contract extension, a deal no other team could match and one that Johnson simply couldn't refuse.

Last Monday night at the United Center in Chicago, Johnson proved his worth among the NBA's highest-paid elite, scoring 34 points as the Hawks stunned the Bulls, 103-95, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals.

A four-time All-Star, Johnson, swished 12 of his 18 shots, including 5-of-5 from 3-point range and 5-of-5 from the free throw stripe.

The 6-foot-7, 245-lb Johnson capped his all-around performance with four rebounds, three assists and three steals. The only fly in his ointment was three turnovers.

Johnson, 29, was a nightmare for the defensive-minded Bulls. He nailed shots off the dribble, off screens, and off a fastbreak. And when he was well-covered, he wasn't reluctant to pass either.

Johnson got ample support from his teammates, especially from ex-Bull Jamal Crawford, who chipped in 22 points on 8-of-16 from the field, 2-of-4 from 3-land, and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe.

The Hawks made 40 of 78 foeld goals (51.3 percent ) and netted 7-of-13 treys (53.8 percent). The Hawks converted 16 of 20 free throws and narrowly outrebounded the heftier Bulls, 38-37.

OUT OF SYNC. In sharp contrast to the Hawks' terrific play, the Bulls were flat as an ironing board.

The Bulls trailed early and often. They were careless with 11 turnovers and miserable on offense, making just 37 of 83 shots.

And the Bulls vaunted defense was palpably missing in action, surrendering a mind-bending 103 points after holding the Indiana Pacers to just 90.2 per game in the previous series.

Derrick Rose had flashes of the brilliance that had come to define his MVP season. But on this fateful Game 1, Rose didn't smell so good.

He missed his first five shots and ended up making only 11 of 27 field goals overall. His 3-point shooting betrayed him -- 2 for 7 -- and three turnovers diminished his 10 assists.

Alarmingly, Rose attempted as many free throws as this writer had. None.

So why is Rose suddenly shy in driving to the hoop?

The Hawks say its their defense. Bulls fans believe it's the bothersome left ankle, which Rose sprained against the Pacers.

Truth be told, only Rose knows. All I know is that Chicago can't win this season if Rose isn't shooting any free throws.

Game 2 of this best-of-7 series returns Wednesday night at the United Center.

Stay tuned. (HDS)


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Pacquiao’s Legacy in Motion: PacMan contra El Azteca
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • Blu Girls Crush Singapore 13-0, Set Sights on China in Asia Cup Showdown
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • Laylo, Dableo to play in Baguio Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • Pacquiao Shines in Final Press Conference: Can The Pacman Defeat Father Time and Barrios? (Analysis & Prediction)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • More lucrative fights await Manny Pacquiao
    By Leo Reyes, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • Rumors about Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • Tapales, Laurente to help Inoue against MJ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • AL BERNSTEIN, CHRISTY MARTIN AND ERIC BOTTJER TO SERVE AS ALL-STAR COMMENTARY TEAM FOR THIS FRIDAY’S ‘LOPEZ VS. VARGAS’ EVENT
    , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS CONGRATULATES SUBRIEL MATIAS ON BECOMING THE WBC SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
    , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • Gaisano Grand Cup Season 20 opens August 3
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Shane Mosley Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 17 Jul 2025
  • HALL OF FAMER MANNY PACQUIAO SET TO CHASE HISTORY YET AGAIN THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IN WORLD TITLE FIGHT AGAINST MARIO BARRIOS
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: New York, a Special Place for Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua talking for a possible fight?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Philippines Rolls Past Pacific Oceania in Davis Cup Group IV Opener as Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors Set the Pace
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • QUOTES FROM TONY HARRISON’S OPEN MEDIA WORKOUT TODAY IN DETROIT
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • 3-Time World Champion Miyo Yoshida is tired of playing Boxing’s dreaded waiting game
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • RP Blu Girls Dominate India to Strengthen Asia Cup Campaign
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Pacquiao-Barrios Betting Odds in Las Vegas: Where Are Bettors Placing Their Money?
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Because Comebacks Matter: Pacquiao Fights for Us All
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • FILIPINO OLYMPIAN EUMIR MARCIAL, HARD-HITTING CONTENDER OMAR SALCIDO & MORE ROUND OUT LOADED EVENT THIS SATURDAY, JULY 19 AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Dumam-ag fights in Japan on July 20
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • UNDEFEATED KO ARTISTS COLLIDE! ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI SET TO FACE ALBEIRO PAREDES
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Arca to compete in 9th Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2025 in Zhuhai, China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 16 Jul 2025
  • Sampson Boxing Announces Signing of Super Lightweight Prospect Jorge De Jesus to Promotional Contract
    , Wed, 16 Jul 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.