New York Knicks: Players Who Stood Out Against Brooklyn Nets

Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah spent the better part of the preseason either not playing or not looking to score. During the preseason finale, however, Noah offered a glimpse into the forgotten reality that he can score a reasonable amount of points when his number is called.

Matched up against All-Star center Brook Lopez, Noah looked like his old self on both ends of the floor.

Noah finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two offensive boards, three assists, and one block in 21 minutes of action. He shot 6-of-9 from the field and finished with a +/- of +4 for the victorious New York Knicks.

It was yet another solid performance by Noah, who came back strong after missing the Knicks’ first three preseason games with a hamstring injury.

Noah’s value to the Knicks will be in his ability to rebound, defend, and facilitate at borderline elite levels. For all of the negativity surrounding him, he’s still a nightly double-double threat, a gifted facilitator, and a genuine leader on defense.

Noah is also a force in transition, a valuable pick and roll dive man, and a relentless worker who can score when he needs to. He’s looking better every time out.