Bulls' Thomas makes it tough on Indiana

There are days when it seems as though Tyrus Thomas should go ahead and clear room on his mantle for a future defensive-player-of-the-year award.

But staying consistent has been one of greatest challenges for the Bulls' third-year forward.

During Saturday's victory over Indiana, Thomas collected 7 blocked shots, 1 short of his career high. Perhaps more impressive, Thomas guarded Danny Granger down the stretch and helped keep the Pacers' top scorer without a point over the final six minutes.

With about 30 seconds left and the Bulls leading by 3, Thomas slid across the lane to block Granger's layup attempt.

"I'm not worried about who it is, just playing hard, trying to get the win," said Thomas, who knows Granger from summer workouts in Las Vegas.

Thomas added 18 points and 8 rebounds to his block-fest. In the last six games he's averaging 14.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

"That's just Tyrus, his athleticism, how he can change the game," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "I thought his patience on the court the last couple weeks has been really good in terms of his control, rebounds, setting screens and running the court a little bit better."

Remember the Spurs: Coach Vinny Del Negro turned to his old San Antonio team of 1994-95, which lost to Houston in the Western Conference finals, as an example he'd like the Bulls to follow.

"Guys knew their role," Del Negro said. " 'This is what I have to do every night. This is what my job is. Guys are counting on me and this is my responsibility.'

"Then if you have tough games, it makes you sick to your stomach. It hurts you. You feel like you let your buddies down. We have to get to that."

Comfort zone forbidden: The win over Indiana dropped the Bulls' magic number for clinching a playoff berth to 7, pending Charlotte's game Saturday night. But coach Vinny Del Negro doesn't want anyone to think the Bulls have a spot locked up.

"I don't think there's any comfortable lead right now," he said. "I think we have to fight and claw and scratch. There's no comfort level at all right now, and we have to realize that."

Bull horns: Memphis coach John Calipari was at the game and visited Derrick Rose in the locker room. - The Bulls improved to 29-13 when they score at least 100 points. - Pacers center Troy Murphy sat out because of a knee strain. He had a season-high 27 points, plus 14 rebounds, in the Pacers' 98-91 victory over the Bulls on Feb. 22.