Thibodeau explains Boozer's increased numbers

Carlos Boozer stepped up to average 23 points and 11 rebounds in the past two games against Detroit and Minnesota.

Before Saturday's game, coach Tom Thibodeau quickly shot down a suggestion that Boozer played better because center Joakim Noah sat out with a sprained ankle.

“I think that's myth,” he said. “When you study the statistics, (Boozer's production) is very similar. I think a big plus for us is the versatility of all our big guys. They all complement each other well.”

Thibodeau has been saying for a few weeks the Bulls need to do a better job of looking for Boozer. They seemed to accomplish that goal.

“It's a compilation of things and I think a big part is he's feeling a lot better,” Thibodeau said. “So he's running the floor, he's getting some baskets in transition. He's getting a deeper post-up. We're giving him the second look. It's a combination of all those things. I like the way he's playing right now and I think that inside post threat is huge for us.”

Tex awaits Hall call:

Jerry Krause can sleep peacefully at night. According to multiple reports, longtime Bulls assistant coach Tex Winter has finally been voted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The official announcement will come Monday.

Winter, 89, is renowned as father of the triangle offense, which Phil Jackson used to guide the Bulls and Lakers to 11 championships.

“Thrilled for him. Can't think of a guy more deserving,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Saturday. “He was great in this league for a long time and a great college coach, as well. Not only what he did for the Bulls and the Lakers, but what he did for the league. Great teacher and great coach.”

Thibodeau recalled just one close encounter with Winter, when he attended a clinic led by Winter and another coach in Reno, Nev. about 12 years ago.

“I had an opportunity to see what a great teacher he was,” Thibodeau said. “It was phenomenal, one of the best clinics I've ever gone to.”

Noah misses third:

Joakim Noah skipped his third game Saturday because of a sprained right ankle, but should be back when the Bulls host Phoenix on Tuesday.

“He's almost there,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We're going to wait one more day. He's good straight ahead, but not quite there laterally yet.”

Community service:

Luol Deng was named one of six divisional winners for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, which he won in 2007. The players will vote for an overall winner, which will be announced after the season.

Deng is hosting a charity video game tournament on Sunday at the Joy of the Game center in Deerfield. Tickets and more information are available at luoldeng.com.