Joakim Noah’s Career Year Keeping Bulls’ Hope Alive Until Rose Returns

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

Chicago’s Joakim Noah improved on what’s already been his greatest season as a pro with a 30-point, 23-rebound performance in the Chicago Bulls‘ 108-104 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Not typically known as a scorer, Noah connected on 12 of his 19 field-goal attempts (and six of seven free throws) en route to his career night.

With the Bulls battling mediocrity (10-8) minus former MVP Derrick Rose (ACL), Noah has provided them with consistent production to hold their place in the playoff picture.

Coach Tom Thibodeau has needed more offense out of his defensive specialist, and Noah has responded with his best scoring season to date (13.9 points per game). Noah told NBA.com’s Dana Gauruder he’s “more comfortable” offensively this season following Friday night’s performance.

His numbers reflect that comfort. His field-goal percentage may have dipped (48.0 percent) with his increased shooting opportunities (11.1 field-goal attempts per game). But he has converted 42 percent of his mid-range attempts.

And he’s managed these offensive improvements without sacrificing the defensive prowess that led to his selection as the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft. He’s still a defensive pest, swatting away shots (2.2 blocks per game) and keeping his opponents out of good post position.

The up-and-down play of Chicago’s second unit has forced Thibodeau to ride his consistent performers more than he’d like. But Noah has responded by logging over 39 productive minutes per game.

The impending return of Rose may alleviate some of the club’s backcourt woes, but it won’t lighten Noah’s workload. With Taj Gibson stuck in neutral (6.2 points per game) and veteran Nazr Mohammed relegated to garbage time, Thibodeau will continue to trot out Noah out of necessity.

It’s just an added bonus that he’s been so effective in that plentiful playing time.

The Central Division is there for Chicago’s taking.

The Indiana Pacers (92-89 losers to the Denver Nuggets on Friday) and the Milwaukee Bucks (108-93 winners over the Charlotte Bobcats) have failed to capitalize on the absence of Rose. With both teams sitting at .500, their time to overtake (let alone create separation with) the Rose-less Bulls could be dwindling. The star point guard is reportedly a matter of “weeks away” from a return to the practice floor (according to what an NBA source told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times).

Then again, this Bulls team has played pretty well without Rose. And they’ve got their big man in the middle to thank for that.

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Bulls vs. Pistons: Bulls Top Pistons 108-104 Behind Joakim Noah’s Career Night

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

The Chicago Bulls visited the Detroit Pistons Friday night as they kicked off their second back-to-back in just five nights. Bulls center Joakim Noah made a strong case as to why he should be an All-Star selection this season, posting a career-high 30 points and 23 rebounds (10 offensive).

Carlos Boozer was second in scoring with 24 points on 12-of-19 shooting. Luol Deng and Marco Belinelli rounded out the Bulls’ top scorers with 16 points each.

After a slow start by the Bulls—down by as many as 17 points—their offense picked it up throughout the second quarter, cutting the lead down to just five before heading into halftime.

The Bulls had one of their better performances of the season in the third quarter, shooting 63 percent from the floor and scoring 28 points to Detroit’s 19.

Chicago closed the game out in the fourth quarter behind Noah’s 12 points and eight boards.

 

Game Positives

The Bulls had one of their best offensive performances of the year, as they shot 52 percent on the night. They dominated the boards once again, out-rebounding the Pistons by 13 and scoring 23 second-chance points.

Noah and Deng’s two-man game was executed to perfection; Deng found Noah cutting to the basket on several possessions. Fifty-eight of the Bulls’ 108 points came in the paint, a testament to how well the players were making cuts to the basket and finding the open man inside. 

 

Game Criticisms

It’s hard to find something bad when the team played so well, but Chicago’s defense wasn’t as strong as it normally is. Detroit shot 51 percent from the floor (57 from beyond the arc), and Rodney Stuckey got just about every look he wanted, scoring 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Brandon Knight also had a big game, shooting over 50 percent for 21 points. 

The Bulls’ win over Detroit gives them their second consecutive win and lifts them to a 10-8 record.

They will host the New York Knicks on Saturday as they conclude their back-to-back.

Read more Chicago Bulls news on BleacherReport.com

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Chicago Bulls Players Making the Strongest Case for More Minutes

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 072012
 

The 2012-13 Chicago Bulls have different chemistry than the past couple seasons, and as a result, it’s taking time to evaluate which members should carry the bulk of the minutes.

In recent games, certain players have been specifically making their case to log more minutes. They’ve done this through through eye-opening performances as well as showing increased comfort with their teammates.

The rotation for the Bulls is always subject to change on a given night. Coach Tom Thibodeau is not afraid to bench his starters if the bench players are in a groove.

Bulls fans have witnessed this plenty of times when it comes to Taj Gibson and Carlos Boozer. Gibson, a bench player, often plays the majority of the fourth quarter while Boozer cheers from the sidelines.

With this in view, which players should steadily begin to receive more playing time? Which players are impressing Coach Thibs and will likely become integral members of this Bulls squad?

Here we unpack these players and how they have much to be eager about as the season progresses.

*Stats used in this slideshow were as of December 6, 2012.

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5 Reasons Chicago Bulls Are Struggling Without Derrick Rose

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 072012
 

The start to the 2012-2013 NBA season continues to drag on for the Chicago Bulls, who are trying to remain relevant and patient as their star guard, Derrick Rose, continues on his road to recovery.

Without Rose, the Bulls have fallen from an Eastern Conference powerhouse to a middle-of-the-pack team, desperately trying to maintain its reputation. 

At times, Chicago has looked about as good ever, playing tough defense and winning games. More often, however, we have seen a team that is struggling without its star and being left only to wait for his body to heal.

Let’s take an in-depth look at what exactly the Bulls are struggling with during Derrick Rose’s absence.

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