Watch CBS News

Thibodeau: 'This Is What You Work For'

CHICAGO (CBS The Chicago Bulls needed a fourth quarter run to pull away from the Atlanta Hawks and take a lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

Chicago was outright dominant at times during the regular season, winning a league-best 62 games. But in the postseason, despite eliminating the Indiana Pacers in five games, and being up 3-2 on the Hawks, the Bulls have been in a lot of close games.

While those close games have made for some tense moments for Bulls fans, they've also made for thrilling basketball games.

"This is great, this is playoff basketball, this is what you work for," head coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Best time of the year."

As the No. 1 overall seed, the Bulls have carried high expectations with them into the playoffs. But any pressure that usually comes with that distinction, according to Thibodeau, hasn't reached the Bulls.

"To me, you've done all you can to prepare yourself, don't worry about 'pressure' when you have strong vet leadership, Luol [Deng], Carlos [Boozer], they've been through it," Thibodeau said. "We don't have to change a thing, we get great support at home, great support on the road for that matter..."

The Bulls are one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference finals.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.