http://dailyherald.com/sports/sports_story.asp?intID=38008118Following Wednesday's game, Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich had three long scratches across his chest and on both arms, the result of overaggressive defense. He was fouled with 3:35 left in the game and checked for blood before walking to the free-throw line.
Hinrich also was part of the lethargic starting lineup that coach Scott Skiles pulled from the floor four minutes into the third quarter. The rookie from Kansas admitted he had trouble dealing with the minuscule crowd and dead atmosphere at Philips Arena.
"I've got to do something to get up for the game," Hinrich said. "I've never played in an atmosphere like that. I'm not saying that's an excuse for not playing that well. But with nobody there, it's just different. It's an adjustment, and it has to come from within."
Wednesday's attendance officially was listed as 10,568, but there probably was half that in the building. The Hawks are last in NBA attendance with an average of 13,865.