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*Photo via Getty Images
Game Four: Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee Bucks finally managed a win against the Chicago Bulls. Facing desperation, the Bucks won at the buzzer, 92-90.
This wasn’t a pretty game, the Bulls had 26 turnovers, and the Bucks shot 39 percent from the field. The game went to the final seconds, until Jerryd Bayless hit a layup at the buzzer for the win.
The first half saw some sloppy play from the Bulls, including 13 turnovers. One reason the Bucks saw a lead as high as 12 in the second quarter.
Jimmy Butler stepped up for the Bulls, finishing with 23 points in the first half. He also helped ignite a 10-0 run at the end of the half. This run allowed the Bulls to tie the game going into the halftime. A tough pill to swallow for the Bucks.
The second half started as a back and forth game, each team failed to pull away. Until the end of the third quarter the Bucks started to maintain a small lead and carried that to the fourth.
The fourth quarter saw O.J. Mayo catch fire, he allowed the Bucks lead to reach as high as 10.
The Bulls didn’t call it quits though, they went on a late surge and tied the game back up at 90-90. Derrick Rose even had a chance to take the lead, but turned the ball over.This gave the Bucks one point three seconds to respond. Off the inbound-pass Jared Dudley hit Jerryd Bayless, who was cutting past an out of position Derrick Rose. Bayless put up the layup and converted the game-winning shot.
Player of the Game: O.J. Mayo was huge off the bench for the Bucks. Mayo scored 18 points and shot four of six from behind the arc. He also played some solid defense on Jimmy Butler in the second half, and hit some clutch baskets down the stretch.
Dud of the Game: Joakim Noah didn’t not have his playoff impact today. His plus/minus for this game was minus 23. He only had two points and five rebounds, plus he didn’t record a block or steal.
Stat of the Game: Like many games the turnover battle was big. The Bulls out shot the Bucks, but turned the ball over 13 more times(26-13). If the Bulls took care of the ball, they likely would of finished the series tonight.
The Bucks looked like they were going to blow the game , but the young squad was able to pull it off. Its not expected the Bucks will make this a series, but some great playoff experience for the Bucks
The Bulls can't be happy about this game, from the turnovers to the last play. The turnovers are very concerning, especially when the Bulls play a better offensive team. Something coach Thibodeau will look to fix.
Talent has allowed the Bulls to beat the Bucks, even in games they didn’t play great. That may not be the case against a better team.
The Bulls could use some rest, they have a few guys banged up. It will benefit them to finish this series as fast as possible.
Game five will be Monday at 8pm on TNT