The Chicago Bulls sputtered a bit in the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks, though they still have a nine-point lead as the game heads into the fourth quarter. Atlanta responded to a poor first-half effort by outscoring Chicago 27-18 in the third period.
Related: Bulls vs. Hawks: 2011-12 Open Game Thread #34
Derrick Rose returned to the lineup for the Bulls and leads the team with 19 points and five assists. Carlos Boozer and Ronnie Brewere are also in double figures with 14 points and 13 points, respectively, while Joakim Noah has a team-high 14 rebounds.
Jannero Pargo leads the Hawks in scoring with 16 points. Josh Smith and Joe Johnson each have scored 12 points.
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