Sixers Down Bulls 89-82 in Game 4

Spencer Hawes after hitting a 3. 

The Bulls look like a shell of their former selves. After blowing a 14 point lead and losing Game 3, they were given bad news: Joakim Noah would miss Game 4.


On a fast break, Noah went up for a layup, and completely twisted his ankle in a way that made mothers everywhere cringe.


A 3-1 series lead would be crucial for the Sixers, and the Sixers jumped out to a quick lead. Spencer Hawes would carry a strong Game 3 performance over to Sunday, scoring 8 points in the First. Andre Iguodala, who has been bogged down by a nagging achilles injury accounted for 6 points. 


The Bulls could get nothing going, as every offensive opportunity would be one and done.


After One, the Sixers were up 24-15. 


However, the Second Quarter would go the Bulls way.


The Sixers were able to stretch the lead to 10, but only momentarily. Taj Gibson would score the Bulls first 10 points (12 in the quarter) of the Second Quarter to bring the Bulls within 4. 


Meanwhile, the Sixers Guards wouldn't of been able to hit water if they fell out of a boat. Jrue Holiday ended the first half 1-13, the most embarrassing miss coming on a blocked dunk attempt by Omer Asik. Turner, Holiday, and Williams would combine to be 4-28 from the floor. 


The Sixers were only shooting 20.0% from the 3 this series, and the poor shooting trend continued, as they were 2-9 in 3 point attempts.

Jrue Holiday attacks the basket. 

Yet it would be Spencer "Steve" Hawes who was happy to throw the team in his backpack and carry them on his back. Hawes had 9 in the Second Quarter, hitting a 3 pointer with 5.0 seconds left to give the Sixers a 44-42 lead.


Hawes had 21 in Game 3. He had 17 points through just two Quarters. 


The Bulls would need C.J. Watson and Luol Deng to step up in the prolonged absence of Noah and Rose. Watson was 0-6 in the first half, and Deng had just 6 points.


But the Bulls would be down just two heading into the Second Half. 


It would take 3:00 for either team to score, and it would be Evan Turner to get the first bucket.


The two teams would then go back and forth.


As C.J. Watson hit his first bucket of the game to give the Bulls a 6 point lead, Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala would help Philadelphia regain the lead.


Holiday and C.J. Watson finally came around in the 3rd. Holiday had 6 points in the 3rd after starting the Game 1-14, and C.J. Watson would lead the Bulls with 7.


After the 3rd, the Sixers would have a one point over the Bulls, 64-63. 


Poor shooting continued in to the 4th Quarter, as neither team really got into their offensive stride.


Evan Turner was forced to sit with 6:00 minutes left in the 4th after he picked up his 5th foul. 


The Sixers would have a 7 point lead after Jrue Holiday hit two back to back 3 pointers, but C.J. Watson would bring the Bulls within two.


However, the 4th Quarter (and the game) would belong to Jrue Holiday and the Sixers. Holiday got to the line, and sunk two free throws.


The Bulls would get the ball back, but Evan Turner would draw an Offensive Foul on Richard Hamilton, and the game was a wrap.


The final score would be Sixers 89, Bulls 82. 


After having a miserable first half, Jrue Holiday finished with 20 points on 7-23 shooting. Spencer Hawes led the Sixers with 22 points.


It would be a reversal of roles for both teams, as the Bulls dominated points off of turnovers with 19, whole the Sixers would grab 30 points in the paint. 


The Sixers would also get to the line 31 times, a big part of their success in Game 4 vs. the Bulls. 


Carlos Boozer had 23 points on 11-24 shooting for Chicago, but it simply was not enough.


Game 5 is Tuesday, May 8th, with the Sixers given an opportunity to put away the top seeded Bulls in Chicago.