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The Chicago Bulls feel the pressure in game five against the Atlanta Hawks
The Chicago Bulls feel the pressure in game five against the Atlanta HawksThe Chicago Bulls were hoping to head home with a lead in the series, but instead are tied with the Atlanta Hawks.


The Hawks' improbable playoff run will last a few more days, at least. And who knows? If they keep it up, they might play right into the Eastern Conference finals at this rate. Their series with the Bulls is tied up at 2-2 as the series shifts back to Chicago for Game 5. If the Hawks get the same sort of inspired effort from the rest of the way, there's no reason to believe that they don't have as good a chance as anyone else of breaking through. It helps when you embrace all of your naysayers and critics, but the changes are so subtle that the naked eye cannot tell.

Simply talking through your problems can be the remedy. So Hawks coach Larry Drew employed that strategy with Josh Smith after watching his mercurial power forward stumble his way through the first couple of games in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against Chicago.

Whatever was said worked, because Smith was in rare form in Game 4, helping push the Hawks over the top in their rousing 100-88 win.

It was vindication, of sorts, for Smith. He's been the target of criticism from almost every direction.

He shoots too many jumpers. He doesn't rebound enough. His decision-making in general is spotty and he's not a team player. All of those charges have been thrown his way throughout his career with the Hawks.

But he rebounded with his best showing of this postseason, leading the Hawks with 23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. He served as the facilitator for the Hawks from his forward spot.

Josh Smith and the Hawks have figured out the secret to beating the Bulls will take command of the series with a win in Chicago.

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