New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against The Chicago Bulls

Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah could’ve easily cracked under the pressure of playing in Chicago as a player on the road team for the first time in his NBA career. Instead, he played with the same ferocity that made him a fan favorite with the Chicago Bulls.

Whether he was crashing the boards, going to the post, facilitating the offense, or playing his typically high-quality defense, Noah showed out.

Noah finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, three offensive rebounds, four assists, and three steals against his former team. He embraced his membership of the New York Knicks fraternity by leaving it all on the court in front of the crowd he once called home.

As it pertains to his efficiency as a scorer, Noah shot 7-of-11 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line in a quality and efficient performance.

Noah posted a +/- of +22, which tied for the best by any Knicks player with starting shooting guard Courtney Lee. He scored a number of contested buckets from the post, banged down low, and made a flurry of gorgeous passes to set his teammates up.

This was a performance that Bulls fans have come to expect from Noah. That’s great news for the Knicks.