After the Bulls beat up the Hawks on the boards in consecutive games, coach Larry Drew decided the best way to fight back was to go big.
The Hawks started 7-footer Jason Collins at center for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series on Sunday night. Al Horford shifted to power forward, Josh Smith moved to small forward and Marvin Williams went to the bench.
It's the same front court the Hawks used for all six games against Orlando in the first round. Atlanta's defensive strategy was based on Collins' ability to harass Dwight Howard one-on-one.
The Hawks also used the front court for 24 regular-season games, usually against opponents who had a strong low-post scorer. The Bulls don't have that but Drew said the Hawks needed Collins to help out with rebounding after the Bulls had 105-73 edge in the past two games.
“It gives us a different look,” Drew said before Game 4. “I think it's time for change.”
The Bulls are a different challenge for Collins than the Magic. He had to help defend Bulls guard Derrick Rose, whose quickness coming off screens will test Collins' limited mobility.
Collins also was charged with helping to control Bulls center Joakim Noah, who had a total of 15 offensive rebounds in Games 2 and 3
“He's not going to use straight strength,” Collins said. “He's going to fake and feint, and use his length and be real energetic and athletic.”
Tale of the tape
Drew's pleas with forward Josh Smith to limit his long field-goal attempts included some visual aids.
On his computer screen before Game 4 Drew had Smith's field-goal percentages by distance. He also had a chart of Smith's shots printed out.
“I’ve had talks with him, ‘You can’t take those shots; you are not making them,’” Drew said. “When I talk to my players and I am making a point, I back it up with numbers and facts and video.”
Etc.
Bulls forward Carlos Boozer told the Chicago Tribune he has torn ligaments on both sides of his right big toe. He suffered the injury during Chicago's first-round series against Indiana. He has started all four games against the Hawks. ... Hawks guard Joe Johnson considered the Bulls before re-signing with Atlanta. "I thought [Chicago[ was a good fit," Johnson said. "There were a few places I thought was a good fit. I thought [the Hawks] were the best fit for me." ... The league announced that Game 6 of the series will be televised by ESPN. The game in Atlanta is scheduled for 8 p.m. ... Florida's Billy Donovan was at the game. Donovan coached Horford and Noah in college.
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