|
"Our fourth quarter has to be our best quarter and tonight it wasn't," Boozer said. "We had good looks down the stretch and just missed them."
Holiday scored 17 points and Turner had 16 while reserve Lou Williams added 14. The Sixers missed 13 of 14 3-pointers and shot 34 percent (26 of 76) from the floor. Yet their late run was enough to help them win consecutive playoff games for the first time since 2003.
"We just pulled it together," Turner said.
Noah's injury came midway through the third quarter when he stepped on Andre Iguodala's foot driving down the lane. His feet gave out from under him and he crashed to the court. Noah instantly grabbed his left ankle in pain -- while a smattering of fans cheered the fallen Bull.
Noah walked gingerly to the bench for a timeout but returned to shoot his free throws.
He was on the bench after a few possessions and stayed there until the fourth.
Noah hopped around trying to take pressure off the ankle. He put the pressure right on the Sixers and even nailed a 15-footer.
The bumps kept coming for the banged-up Bulls.
But when Hamilton hit a 3 for a 67-53 lead in the fourth and it appeared they were cruising toward the victory.
Not so fast. With the Philly crowd standing and waving their rally towels, the Sixers seemed primed for a comeback. Hawes fought inside for a tough basket that pulled the Sixers to 69-64 to help them end the game on a stunning 26-7 run.
"When Rip hit that shot, I was looking in our guys' eyes," Collins said. "Somehow, we fought back."
The Bulls need to figure out a new rotation without Rose and way to protect Noah if they don't want this series to slip away.
"You need guys who have that great will to win, no matter what the circumstances," Thibodeau said.
NOTES: Hall of Famer Julius Erving returned to the Sixers as a strategic adviser. His deal runs through 2015 and he will be available to the franchise on an as-needed basis. ... Actor Bill Murray was at the game. ... The Sixers snapped a four-game home losing streak.
[Associated Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor