NBA: Nets stave off elimination, extend playoffs series versus Bulls

The Brooklyn Nets forced a game six against the Chicago Bulls, locking down their opponents in the second half of the final period, en route to a 110-91 win, Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The series total now stands at 3-2, in favor of the Bulls. The Nets had drawn first blood in the series, winning 106-89 in the first playoffs game at their Brooklyn home, but Chicago went on to win the next three games, first stealing home court advantage in game two, 90-82, before hanging tough at the United Center, 79-76, and 142-134, the latter requiring three overtimes before emerging triumphant. In the first quarter, Brooklyn drew 11 markers from Brook Lopez to put them up 26-21 after the initial 12-minute period, but seven straight points from Chicago, five from point guard Nate Robinson allowed the visiting side to steal ahead, 32-31. By the 1:45 mark of the second period, the Nets managed an 18-9 run, putting up their biggest lead up to that point, 50-40, though a Joakim Noah tip-in got that down to single digits, 52-44, heading into halftime. After the break, the Nets spent the third quarter fighting to keep their lead at 10, getting it to that figure six times. Each didn't last long though, and by the end of the period, a 6-1 run by Chicago had them within four, 77-73. Then at the start of the final canto, a Jimmy Butler trey made it a one-point affair, 77-76. With the Bulls hanging tight, the Nets got a breather courtesy of a 6-0 run, which built their lead back to seven, 91-84, halfway through the fourth. Nate Robinson canned a jumper at the 4:15 mark to get his side within five, 95-90, but it was all Brooklyn after that, as they finished on a 15-1 run, forcing Chicago to miss their last six looks from the field. Brook Lopez led the Nets with a double-double of 28 points on 11-of-20 shooting, plus 10 rebounds. Deron Williams also had a double-double, consisting of 23 points and 10 assists. The supporting cast of Brooklyn was also very productive, with Andray Blatche tying his career playoffs-high of 13, and starters Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace combining for 23 markers. The Bulls played without starting point guard Kirk Hinrich, who could miss the rest of the series due to a calf injury. In his place, Nate Robinson joined the starting five, and led Chicago with 20 points and eight assists. Robinson's backcourt partner Jimmy Butler added 18 markers and four steals. Luol Deng fired in 12 points, while Carlos Boozer had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Nets out-scored the Bulls in the paint, 54-42, and got a 33-18 edge in fourth quarter points, when they pulled away for good. Brooklyn also dominated the glass, 44-33, 17-11 on the offensive side. - AMD, GMA News