NBA -- Hawks down Bulls in testy U.C. battle

CHICAGO ? In front of a crowd of 20,526 during Family Day at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls faced the visiting Atlanta Hawks, losing 118-123. With only 18 games left, this is the last time the Bulls will face the Hawks this season. Both teams had players scoring in the double digits by the end of the first half.

From the Bulls, Kris Dunn with 12 and Robin Lopez with 10; while the Hawks had Alex Len with 17 and Trae Young with 12. Each team had significant help from their bench, with the Bulls bench contributing 26 points, and the Hawks bench helping with 24. Despite attempting far fewer 3-point shots and free throws in the first half, the Bulls were only down 60-67 at the half.

The second half fared slightly better for the Bulls as they came within 5 points by the end of the third, 91-96, with the main difference being the number of 3-point shots the Bulls attempted. In the third quarter alone, the Hawks made 17-of-34 from the 3-point arc compared to the Bulls? 6-of-19. In the third quarter, Hawks guard Trae Young received his second technical foul and was ejected. Three minutes into the final quarter, the Hawks started pulling away to build a 10-point lead, 105-95. However, the Bulls would fight back to get within one with less than a minute left in the game. To make it more exciting, Hawks guard Kevin Huerter missed both free throws with 15 second left in the game, and the Hawks up 120-117.

Hawks forward Dewayne Dedmon was the only player to notch a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

With the Bulls? season winding down, Bulls head coach Jim Boylan had some thoughts about the game.

?We talked about the boards being an issue for us. We were fighting uphill all game. I thought we battled to get back in it. We had a couple of opportunities to tie, but we just couldn?t get over the hump. I hate to speak for the players, but it looked as if fatigue was a factor this game. It?s tough when you shoot 51% and lose.?

The Bulls travel to Indianapolis to face the Pacers on Tuesday, while the Hawks head further south to Miami to square up against the Heat.