Johnson Scores 34 As Hawks Beat Bulls 103-95 In NBA Playoffs

CHICAGO – Joe Johnson scored 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat Derrick Rose and the top-seeded Chicago Bulls 103-95 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

As if the loss itself wasn’t bad enough, the Bulls got a major scare when Rose came up limping at the end of the game. Their MVP candidate stepped on Jamal Crawford’s foot as he dribbled out the final seconds and was helped off by teammates and a trainer.

The Hawks went on a 15-2 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters to turn a 69-65 deficit into an 80-71 lead with 10:27 remaining. Johnson scored eight points during that stretch, and the Hawks hung on.

Game 2 is Wednesday night at the United Center.