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Bulls Stagger In Playoff Chase

Authored by Douglas Benton - April 11, 2006 - 11:29 pm

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In what would have sounded ridiculous a few years ago, the Bulls are in the thick of the playoff race in hopes of a second straight playoff birth in as many years. However, the Bulls haven’t shown their resilience that became their calling call last season, which might eventually result in the Bulls on the outside looking in.

In recent weeks, the Bulls have let games get away from them and showed a lack of confidence in closing out games. This was very apparent in their collapse at home against Orlando when they had a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter at home. These type of games have to be must-wins when you are chasing the final playoff spot, but the Bulls haven’t played with that urgency this season.

While covering the game on Saturday in Chicago against Philadelphia, this was on display again, as they Bulls lacked any emotion whatsoever in what was classified the biggest game of the season. Even though they have battled injuries with Darius Songaila out for the season, and Luol Deng and Chris Duhon being in and out of the line-up the last few weeks.

Still, the Bulls should be able to come out with a more consistent effort in games that are becoming the equivalent of playoff-level games. One of the reasons they haven’t been able to do this is that they lack the veteran presence to lead them, like they had with Antonio Davis last season. Also, none of the young talent have stepped up and taken a leadership role. Each of them have improved their talent-levels this season, but none of them have become the stopper for the Bulls.

Thankfully for the Bulls, the East is terrible at the bottom, so they still have a chance to sneak in and become fodder for the Detroit Pistons. To do this, they must believe in their defense and commit to it first and foremost. They can compete with anyone if they defend, but when they try to outscore teams is when they struggle.

The Bulls have a favorable schedule down the stretch, but they missed a golden opportunity to end the race by laying an egg at home against the Sixers. They must stay hot down the stretch and gain some late-game mettle, in order to close out opponents, and then the playoff race.