Chicago Bulls Play Well As a Team Again

The Chicago Bulls have turned things around, winning six of the last seven games.

They have whipped playoff-bound teams Miami and Detroit in consecutive games, and they are playing with the determination we knew they had in them.

Once again, they are playing hard at the end of the season.

This organization reminds me of the Houston Astros, who also pushed on the accelerator towards the end of the regular season.

What did it for the Bulls was acquiring John Salmons and Brad Miller. Salmons has really surprised me with the talent he has shown in scoring for the Bulls. Both players have really helped the Chicago Bulls reverse directions—and the Bulls are now tied for the seventh playoff spot.

They are playing shorthanded as Derrick Rose and Luoel Deng have been out for some games. John Paxson has redeemed himself for this season just for this one trade. Kirk Hinrich is playing like a starter again and the Bulls defense has really improved

Another reason for the Bulls' improved play is better production from recent draft picks Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. Thomas is swatting shots all over the place, and Noah has really come a long way in his play. Ben Gordon has shown a new intensity and hustle playing defense much better in recent weeks.

The Bulls can be in position to create some upsets in the playoffs. The NBA playoffs definitely need some surprises—as it has been too predictable in recent years.