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Philippines, 20 Apr 2024 |
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NBA -- Noah: Special ingredient for success By Kelly Manalo PhilBoxing.com Sun, 20 Oct 2013  CHICAGO -- The fifth preseason game is in the books and the Chicago Bulls stayed undefeated by beating the Indiana Pacers, 103-98, Friday night at the United Center. Derrick Rose led the Bulls to a comeback victory with 32 points and nine assists in 31 minutes, making it seemingly clear that Chicago will go only as far the former MVP will take them. But Joakim Noah, who sat out the game with groin soreness, was sorely missed. The 6-foot-11 All-Star center has been iced from participating in all basketball related activities for an entire week. Against the conference rivals Pacers, who pack as much size as the Bulls, it was noticeable how much of an impact Noah has on his team's championship fate. Joakim is the anchor of the defense. Without him on the floor, Indiana dominated the paint and controlled the boards in the opening half. Indy shot 9-for-11 down the block and outrebounded the Bulls, 23-15, early. The Bulls were also uncharacteristically out worked in the first two quarters as Pacers All-Star Paul George got inside the paint with almost uncontested ease while 7-foot-1 center Roy Hibbert imposed his unmatched size and strength to drop an easy 18 points. Noah, a University of Florida alum, played his first preseason tiff against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night and the difference from that game to Friday?s game is how much he makes the Bulls frontline that much stronger. Forwards Carlos Boozer and Taj Gibson posted double doubles in points and rebounds, but against Indy, they only combined for 10 total rebounds. Noah?s energy is contagious.. He makes everyone better, just as much as Derrick Rose does. He may not have the prettiest looking jump shot, but his heart, hustle and muscle make up for whatever weaknesses he has. With their big frontline, it is imperative for the Bulls to establish dominance in the paint. It's that physical might required to beat the defending champions Miami Heat, who struggled and were pushed around by a physical Indy team in the East Conference Finals and a bulky San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. The Bulls have a frontline rotation that can do many good things, but when they struggle like they did against Indiana, the pressure on Rose to play even better is going to grow. D-Rose is the superstar that will get all the attention and praise. But, forget it not, championships can't be won without pieces like Noah, who do the dirty, little things that matter just as much. (KM) Click here to view a list of other articles written by Kelly Manalo.  |
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