Photo: Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer

After a dismal, uninspired display in Game 3, the Cavaliers flashed their offensive firepower and smothering defense at the same time in an extended stretch late in the second quarter and to start the third quarter. A 43-21 run and two LeBron buzzer beaters in the second and third, the latter being a contested jumpshot from halfcourt KO'd the Bulls and sent the series back to Cleveland at 3-1 in the wine and gold's favor. LeBron was a one-man wrecking crew in this game, not to be denied a victory in what he called "the most important game of our season", and the Cavs would have won regardless of what everyone else did offensively. But, the supporting cast's strong showing was a reminder of what this team can do when it's focused and firing on all cylinders.

Sure, the Cavaliers just played all-around better in this game, with the kind of intensity that they'll need if they want thirteen more wins this season, but the team also tipped their cap to what Chicago was doing and adjusted accordingly. It meant less of the big guys and a greater deal of small ball with more athletic lineups. Zydrunas Ilgauskas didn't even get off the bench until the game's final minutes, and LeBron got his wish with J.J. Hickson getting significant time due to Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao foul trouble. Shaq got post feeds early in the game, but he managed just a couple buckets and his seemingly constant foul trouble in this series prevailed. It was to the point that Hickson played 11 seconds more than O'Neal, and the starting center played sparingly in the second half.

Getting Hickson playing time is something that I've been hesitant to do given who he would be taking away from, but it's nothing against him or his play. J.J. has proven that he is more than capable, and he turned in a nice game today with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 charges taken in 17 minutes. If the Cavs and Celtics meet in the second round, Hickson could again play a role, but he will also have to battle with Leon Powe's intimate knowledge of the Celtics. Against either Orlando or LA, though, it's going to be even more difficult for Hickson to get on the floor with Z's size required to battle Dwight Howard and the Lakers big man duo.

The Bulls were victims of the other side of The Kirk Hinrich Shooting Show today. Hinrich's 27 point performance seemed like it took place more than three days ago as he posted a 3-for-13 performance for just 10 points, with at least two of those makes coming on incredibly wide-open looks. Luol Deng also had just two second half points after 14 in the first half and a great start to the game along with Derrick Rose. As for D-Rose, it was much of the same as it has been all series long - high volume of shots and high scoring totals. Rose was 9-of-20 for 21 points. The only real bright spot for Chicago was Joakim Noah and his 21 point, 20 rebound effort.

The Cavalier supporting cast was quite effective in this one, with five guys reaching double figures and the team getting 23 bench points. Antawn Jamison really helped extend the lead in the third with a series of nice post scores on Luol Deng, and 'Tawn put in half of his points in that third quarter. Mo Williams had 19 points with three triples, and Anthony Parker had one of his better offensive performances with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting and a couple of treys. Playing the Bulls' starting backcourt to a draw with 31 points each is more than a recipe for victory in this series, it's a recipe for a blowout.

As for LeBron, it gets hard to find fresh and exciting buzzwords for him, because he's simply rewriting the book of playoff dominance. Today, he hit two buzzer beaters, a long two to end the half and a halfcourt launch with Derrick Rose right up on him. He had 37 points, including 20 second half points on just 17 shots. Over two points per shot? Yeah, this guy is playing beyond ridiculous right now. He also made it a banner day with his fifth career playoff triple double by adding 12 rebounds and 11 assists to his 36 minute statline. Yes, the Cavaliers offense continues to bog down a little more than I would like and they are shooting a startling amount of threes. But, with this guy at the helm, sometimes you have to sit back and let him go to work. With that look in his eye today, it was a good day to do so.

goes to: LeBron James and Antawn Jamison. LeBron brought his fifth playoff triple double to the table with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jamison added 24 points and 7 rebounds and helped lead the charge to take this one out of reach in the third.

Team Grade: A

On a day where they truly needed to send a message, the team did just that. Cleveland shot 53% on the road, and they held the Bulls to 37% in the United Center. They hit their threes once again (12-for-25), and while they were out-rebounded 49-41, the Cavs did hit 25-of-34 free throws after struggling with them early in the game.

Game 5 is Tuesday night at the Q. With that, the Cavs hope to end the Bulls' season and give Joakim Noah the chance to tour Cleveland at his own leisure. If they play anywhere close to how they played today, it will be "Gone Fishin'" time for Chicago.

All for one. One for all. 13 to go.

Kirk

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