CHICAGO -- Joakim Noah recorded the fourth triple-double of his career Wednesday night and the Chicago Bulls routed the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 100-85, at the United Center.
Noah had 19 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists by halftime, allowing the Bulls to build an early lead that they never relinquished.
The first quarter was just the beginning of the Bulls dominance over the Hawks. Taj Gibson and Mike Dunleavy left the quarter scoring 8 and 9 points respectfully, while Noah and Jimmy Butler chipped in with 6 points each.
In an impressive fashion, the Bulls finished the opening quarter with 33 points and shot 57.7 percent from the field.
The Hawks, however, did not fair as well in the first quarter. Shooting at only 38.9%, the Hawks were unable to keep up. Paul Millsap left the quarter with 7 points, leading the hawks to their first quarter total of 17.
The second quarter proved to be more of a competition, the Bulls coming away with an additional 25 points compared to the Hawks 22, leading the teams into the half with the Bulls up 58-39.
The Bulls lost a bit of their edge in the third quarter, outscored 31-22, but managed to keep their lead alive as they left the third up by 10.
With 3:22 left in the fourth quarter, Gibson found himself on the floor as a result of a flagrant foul committed by Jeff Teague. The Bulls continued to push their lead, allowing the crowd to explode in cheers as the score reached a final of 100-85, just enough for the Bulls fans to all receive their free Big Macs. (KB)
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