Hawks node series Bulls to 2 as Smith leads way

ATLANTA - Atlanta Hawks finally won a match of second round home postseason.

They can thank a guy who gets often booed by home fans, and a young guard who was not supposed to play much at all.

Josh Smith answered his critics with a huge game - 23 points, 16 rebounds and 8 assists - and fill Jeff Teague came with Derrick Rose-like parts in the stretch to lead the Hawks past the Chicago Bulls 100-88 Sunday night, the Conference semi-finals in two evening games each.

The Hawks snap a House of nine-game losing streak in the second round, their misery which goes back to a victory on May 13, 1996, against Orlando.

Smith is often criticized by Atlanta fans for his inconsistent play. He heard nothing but cheers, be far remained jumpers outside, dominating inside and find the open man with crisp passes.

Teague was an even greater surprise filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich, playing with the balance of a veteran at a person who has played only rarely during the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. He recorded 12 points and distributed on four assists, putting the capper on a late 10-0 run that opened a game that was tight and intense, while the path.

Driving to the hoop with Kyle Korver draped all over him, Teague returned until a shot as he was falling. Bank, giving the Hawks a safe lead, 94-84 with 1: 26 remaining. Second-year player bounced off the coast of the Court with a big smile, bumping into his teammates on the way to the bench.

Someone held a sign, "M-V-teague."

The real MVP registered 34 points. But essential Rose 32 shots to do it, and it was not nearly as effective was scoring a career-best 44 points in game 3, leading the Bulls to a 99-82 rout which restored Chicago home-court advantage. The top seeded Bulls can always close the series simply by winning at home, but the Hawks know they will have at least one game at home more.

"Game tickers 6 are on sale now," said the public-address announcer Hawks.