After taking away home-court advantage, Bulls try again to take away Williams

From left, Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche (0), Deron Williams, C.J.Watson, and Brook Lopez retreat to the bench during a timeout in the second half of Game 2 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday, April 22, 2013, in New York. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Nets 90-82 to even the series. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (9) dunks past Brooklyn Nets' Kris Humphries (43), Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson (7) during the first half of Game 2 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Monday, April 22, 2013, in New York. The Bulls won 90-82. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – The Chicago Bulls know their best chance to beat the Brooklyn Nets is by slowing Deron Williams.

The Bulls probably can't win when the two-time Olympic point guard is rolling, as he was in their playoff series opener.

But when they defend the way they did in Game 2, making him look like the guy who battled leg pain into February, they love their chances.

So when the series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 on Thursday, all eyes will be on Williams, who will have not only the ball but the entire complexion of the series in his hands.

Coach Tom Thibodeau says the Nets are a tough team, "so we've got our work cut out for us."

The job becomes much easier when they can knock Williams off his game.