John Paxson has grown tired of criticism directed toward Carlos Boozer, the player he signed to a five-year, $75 million contract.

Boozer's play has been inconsistent in the first round of the playoffs against the Pacers and he'd be the first to admit it. At 12.0 points per game, Boozer is averaging 51/2 points less than he did during the regular season. He's shooting 37.5 percent from the field after shooting 51 percent during the regular season and 50.3 percent in his playoff career before this season. Plus there have been occasional lapses on defense.

"Just because his numbers aren't what they were in previous playoffs … he's still very important to what we're doing," Paxson said after the Bulls' practice Monday. "The reality is we're still up 3-1.

"We have a lot of guys who could be playing better in this series. But to throw that type of criticism on (Boozer) isn't right. This is a team game."