Gordon had limped through two of the last three games in which his minutes dropped and two of three games in which he played poorly on offense as the return of Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich changed the rotation. Gordon didn't even play in overtime when the Bulls stunned Cleveland on Thursday.

Now, with a strong showing behind him, his favorite arena in front of him and the opportunity to attack the smallish Knicks lineup with three-guard sets, everything is in place.

"This year I don't think we've been as structured as we were under Scott [Skiles]," Gordon said Sunday after practice. "It's up to guys like me, Kirk and Lu to bring that back if we see it lacking. That's why we've been so up-and-down this season. We have to get back to playing the right way, listening to what the game says. If the game says pass, pass it. If you're open, shoot the ball.

"(Coach Vinny Del Negro) gives us a lot of freedom, especially on the perimeter. Sometimes you can get carried away and abuse it. We have to be more cognizant of valuing every possession."

Since Deng and Hinrich have returned from injuries, Gordon has adjusted to a slightly new role as Del Negro often has brought Hinrich off the bench to pair with Derrick Rose. Hinrich's ballhandling ability lessens that responsibility for Rose.

Their return also has meant a greater mix of ball sharing. This ball movement has revived memories of Skiles' drive-and-kick style, even if the Bulls no longer run that system.

"We're getting back to moving the ball, and I think our chemistry is a lot better," Gordon said. "Instead of shooting in one area, maybe I make a hard cut to get a shot the next time around. I'm being more patient."

Del Negro said the freedom he allows his perimeter players is no accident.

"The game is an instinct game," he said. "You have to be willing to move the ball and share it but also be aggressive. We have guards who can make plays. So I give those guys that opportunity. I think it's important to play that way."

kcjohnson@tribune.com