NEW YORK – Brook Lopez had 28 points and 10 rebounds, Deron Williams added 23 points and 10 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets beat Chicago 110-91 on Monday, cutting the Bulls’ lead to 3-2 in their first-round series.

Andray Blatche scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and Gerald Wallace had consecutive baskets down the stretch as the Nets finally pulled away in a game they led most of the way but never by much.

Two days after rallying for a 142-134 triple-overtime victory, the Bulls were outscored 15-1 down the stretch and failed to set up a second-round series with Miami. Instead they will host Game 6 on Thursday.

Nate Robinson had 20 points and eight assists starting in place of point guard Kirk Hinrich, who bruised his left calf Saturday.

Robinson scored 29 of his 34 points after the third quarter Saturday in a game the Nets led by 14 late in regulation. Coming off his big game and agitating to opposing fans even when he’s struggling, Robinson was loudly booed during introductions and each time he touched the ball early.

He made a jumper with 4:17 remaining to cut Brooklyn’s lead to 95-90 but there would be no charge this time.

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HAWKS 102, PACERS 91: Josh Smith scored 29 points as host Atlanta built a 17-point lead at halftime, then withstood an Indiana comeback over the final two quarters to even the series in Game 4.

After struggling much of the second half, Smith made every big play down the stretch. He swished a rare 3-pointer, came up with an offensive rebound to set up a 3 by Kyle Korver, then finished off a fast break with a right-handed dunk.

Paul George scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half but the Pacers couldn’t come back from a 57-40 deficit at the break.

The series returns to Indianapolis for Game 5 on Wednesday night.

 


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