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May

15

FOUR-GET ABOUT IT!

BULLS STAVE OFF ELIMINATION, DETROIT HIT TO COME IN GAME FIVE?

With the season on the line, the Chicago Bulls used a huge third quarter and staved a late comeback by the Pistons in the final 12 minutes to extend their season for at least one more game during a 102-87 victory in Game Four of the second round Eastern Conference series. Still trailing 3-1, Chicago hasn’t made this a series yet. In fact, the series may most likely end tomorrow night in Detroit. With that said, here’s hoping Chicago can play with the type of effort that they sustained for the most part in Game Four to at least give the Pistons their money’s worth in Game Five.

A win would be a shocker with the way the Bulls have played in Detroit in the series. With that said, a Chicago victory would put the pressure squarely on the Pistons’ shoulders. Check in tomorrow for a preview of Game Five. As for now, here’s a breakdown of the players with the most impact in Game Four.

Game Four Hitmen

Kirk Hinrich: Played aggressive from the tip of the ball for the first time this series. Was aggressive instead of passive and got Chicago going early on with eight quick points. Had energy and got Chicago on the break a couple of times for easy dunks by Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas. 15 of his 19 points came in the first half.

Luol Deng: For the first time this series, Deng looked fluid when going to the basket. Played all 48 minutes and was on the attack, getting several dunks on the interior. Finished with 25 points (10-of-15 shooting) and 13 rebounds. Had a much more efficient and impact game in Game Four as compared to Game Three.

Ben Wallace: Take that Jay Mariotti. Outstanding energy throughout the game and didn’t look like he wanted to go home. His energy on the offensive glass really keyed Chicago’s big third quarter run. Finished with 17 rebounds and 11 points.

Ben Gordon: Really struggled with his shot throughout the game and didn’t look too interested early on. Had a quiet first half but hit two big threes in the fourth quarter. His second three got Chicago’s lead back to 10 after Detroit had cut to seven. Will need to be much more assertive if Chicago is to have any chance in Game Five.

Tyrus Thomas: Scored eight of his 10 points in the fourth quarter. Nice half-hook off the glass in the fourth quarter to keep Detroit at bay. Helped get Chicago going late in the second quarter en route to a seven-point halftime lead by keeping an offensive possession alive and then shortly getting a dunk.

Game Four Stoolies

Rasheed Wallace: Settled way too much for the three point shot. Worst game of the series for him. Lost his composure in the third quarter with a technical foul. Needs to get on the box.

Rip Hamilton: Rough game after excellent performance in first three games. Quiet 11 points. Not as active in Game Four and eventually fouled out. Will be primed to go in Game Five.

Chris Webber: Failed to score in both games in Chicago, meaning that he could be due for a huge game tomorrow night. Prior to getting blanked in Games Three and Four, Webber had not scored in a game only once during his stellar career.