"The Bulls were perceived to be the team trying to measure itself against the proven Eastern Conference champion Celtics.

Instead, the Celtics wound up shaking their heads and wondering if they still have what it takes to defend their title after Thursday night's 97-81 drubbing at the United Center.

"We just didn't play with the right spirit tonight," said veteran forward Kevin Garnett, who had 10 points and 10 rebounds. "We didn't play with no fight in the second half. You know, we're a better team than this. One thing in the postseason, we have to get some more fight in us as a team."

The Bulls reduced their magic number to one to clinch homecourt advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

"Tonight was frustrating, the second half was even more frustrating," said Garnett, whose team was held to 38 second-half points. "We are going to find out where we are these last couple of (regular-season) games. But we have to be better than this. There is no way we can come out and put an effort like this in a game this big.""