Oct 31, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) being defended by Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the second half at the United Center. Cleveland won 114-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Play of Joakim Noah
It’s not all trash talk fun and mind games for Noah. He, of the man-bun, will be tasked with keeping lane clogger Timofey Mozgov from being a force in the paint. How will Noah do that? Keeping a body on him and out hustling him will be a must. Vital to his success and his overall play though is the state of his surgically repaired left knee. In the recent series versus the Bucks, he often looked hampered and lacked the usual lift he requires to hit the glass, block shots and chase down loose balls. If that knee is good to go, then the Bulls needn’t worry because his energetic play will follow. Noah’s intensity level will be right where it needs to be as soon as he walks out the tunnel of the Quicken Loans Arena and hears the first boo shouted in his direction. The primal scream switch will be flicked to on.
Another facet of his game to watch for is his play making. With his famous ‘Tornado’ jump shot practically non-existent due to the addition of Pau Gasol this season, Noah’s offensive options have mainly been limited to put-backs, lay-ins and the occasional running hook, but it’s his passing and play making that will prove beneficial to the Bulls offensively. Noah was second among all centers in assists this season (4.3 per game), and if he’s allowed to facilitate and used effectively from the high post, it will pose a problem for the Cavaliers defense.
Next: Expose Weaknesses