Weve definitely got some momentum right now. At this point, weve got to continue to try to get better each game and keep moving, without taking any steps back. The key is for us to play consistent from here on out.
Our win over Indiana was a big one, especially with the Philly games this week. We had an idea the Sixers were losing on Tuesday, so we knew a victory would pull us within a half game, and we got the job done. Beating the Pacers was great; it was definitely a good way to celebrate my birthday. Indiana is a playoff team despite how theyve played recently, and the win helps with our momentum. Were going to take the court tonight and try to get another W. All of these games are of a playoff magnitude for us right now.

I think we match up pretty well with Philly. The first time we played them, we pretty much handled them. We did exactly what we wanted to do and we just need to duplicate that over these next two games. Our game plan is to make everything tough for AI. If you can hold him to 25, youve probably done a good job with him on a given night. Keeping him in check is our main focus, along with trying to contain some of their other key players.

People have made a big deal about me coming off the bench the last few games, but it doesnt faze me, especially now that weve got a little bit of a hot streak going. Before the Indiana game, I hadnt been playing all that well. I dont know if it was the transition to the bench that got to me or what. Maybe I was just having some bad games. Coming off the bench is a role that I started off in at the beginning of the season, so Im familiar with it. I have an idea of when Im going to go into the game and what to expect so its not a major change for me. My main concern is winning games.
I dont want to call it a slump that I was in, I just think that my shooting was off for a few games but hopefully that is done now. There was a stretch where my shots werent falling like they normally do. Ive just been trying to get myself some easy baskets to get back into that rhythm.

This time of year, every practice and every possession of every quarter of every game is important. Weve got the attitude that we are not taking anything for granted. We know that we have to go out there every night and play our best each and every minute if we want to make the playoffs.
We expect to make the playoffs. Obviously our games against Philly this week will really determine a lot. Weve been keeping them on our radar while trying to play our best basketball at the same time. Hopefully well be coming back to Chicago a half game up on them.