NBA MVP Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah lead the Chicago Bulls back into the Eastern Conference Semifinals with stellar performances against the Atlanta Hawks, winning 86-73. Rose finished with  25 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds while Noah had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals.

The Bulls dominated the glass, and capitalized and their second chance opportunities, out-rebounding Atlanta 58-39. Derrick Rose was forced into committing 8 turnovers, but for a 22-year-old who has just been crowned league MVP, you can live with this based on his overall performance and winning outcome.

The Bulls managed to contain Joe Johnson from being as explosive as he was in game 1, while forcing Al Horford, Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams to shoot a combined 11-46 from the field. Shooting .244 from the field will not get it done for anyone, anytime, ever, during NBA playoff basketball.

An unexpected lift aws provided by Jeff Teague, whom spent the duration of the season as a limited and unknown quantity. He dropped in 21 points but was inefficient in distributing the ball, producing only 3 assists in nearly 40 minutes.

If the Bulls continue to dominate and disrupt on defense like game 2, this series will swing wide open in their favor, regardless of where they play.

Atlanta needs to sort out some way to bounce back, regroup, and try any means necessary to rekindle their offensive rhythm back at home for the next two games in Atlanta, and fast.

Derrick Rose is gaining more confidence during his first trip to the Semifinals, and his ankle continues to get stronger.

All of this is bad news for the Hawks.

Like I wrote early, and I must reiterate here, if Carlos Boozer ever wakes up and starts dropping in his normal stat line, this series will be all but over for Atlanta. he was good on the glass, but his 4-12 shooting could improve, and has no reason not too.

Luol Deng is silently going about his game as usual, and has been a solid reinforcement in the front court for the Bulls.

Josh Smith has got to be a complete moron if he thinks he has any chance of winning the appeal to his $25,000 fine.

His logic behind his appeal is more outlandish in nature, and shows Smith could have benefitted greatly from a college education:

“I was upset,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of players, past and present, doing the same thing. I wish they had sent me a memo saying I couldn’t do it before I did it.”

Really Josh? You are actually saying you wish they sent you a memo? Lets think about this dude. You spontaneously grab your nuts after hitting a three, and justify it because people have done it before as to why you think you shouldn’t be fined?

People kill people. People commit many types of crime. Some get caught, some don’t. Those are hard realities that exist in life. Most of the people who get away with these heinous acts usually make sure they are not being recorded by television cameras.

Josh Smith you are a NBA player on a national spotlight. You’re a member of an elite league currently in a scrupulous-police-like-state aiming to curb the poor image of the NBA in the Post-Arenas Gun Era.

Did you get that memo, Josh Smith?

The Orlando Magic  rose out of the Southeast division into the NBA finals this year. The possible return of Josh Childress to Atlanta (they still have his rights as a restricted free agent), roster moves made by Miami, and the future of Hedo Turkoglu’s free agency ventures all will factor into this summers moves.

There is plenty of  room for teams to rise and fall in this division. If Washington starts the season healthy they are Protect the Paint’s choice to have the biggest turnaround year, possibly turning a 19 win last season into a 50 win season.

Jordan Hill’s game would be a nice fit in Washington. (Credit: ESPN)

Washington Wizards (19-63)  With the  #5 pick  Jordan Hill or James Harden looks like the most promising for the Wizards. Adding someone with size and or scoring ability is a good contingency plan for an injury riddled roster.

At the 32 pick it is not too far-fetched to see someone like Patrick Mills or Darren Collison being  selected for additional depth at PG. This might be a wise choice as Gilbert Arenas’ knee is an unknown factor.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)  Charlotte is stacked at the forward position. They should focus to find smart, athletic and defensive minded guards that can play for Larry Brown. With the 12th pick look to see Charlotte selecting Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, or Terrance Williams.

It is a possibility that Raymond Felton Leaves leaving the Bobcats with DJ Augustine and little else at the point. This philosophy should hold up with the 40th pick as well, and North Carolina Tarheels’ Wayne Ellington and Danny Green could be available this deep.

Ty Lawson is a champion in the NCAA. Can that translate to the NBA? (Credit: themixtapemonster.com)

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) In a deep draft for guards, a PG reserve for Mike Bibby would not be bad with both  the 19th and 49th pick. Marvin Williams and Josh Childress are restricted free agents.

Rumors for Josh Smith being moved also can play into Atlanta moving up in draft order.  With people worrying Ty Lawson might be injury prone, look for him to still be available at pick 19.

Joe Ingles could surprise the NBA (Credit: draftexpress.com)

Miami Heat (43-39) holds the 43rd and 60th (via Indiana). Vastly improved with a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade. The heat must ask if Mario Chalmers is the long term answer at the point, and if Michael Beasley is a more natural fit at the 3. The Heat could look for a big like Joe Ingles or Josh Heytvelt.

If all quality bigs are gone by pick #60, look for Miami to have another “steal of the draft” type Guard in Jodie Meeks or international players Rodrigue Beaubois (France), Nando De Colo (France), or Patrick Beverly (Ukraine).

Orlando Magic (59-23) Orlando has no picks in this years draft and will make retaining free agent Hedo Turkoglu their main objective. Look to see potential trades involving Rafer Alston including picks or future picks. Other than that, the Magic stand pat (no pun intended, Pat Williams)