Game 7: Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets (May 4, 2013)
All U Can Heat
The injury-plagued Bulls capped off a thrilling seven-game playoff series by defeating the Brooklyn Nets in Game 7, 99-93.
Joakim Noah scored 24 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and recorded six blocks to lead the Bulls to victory.
The Bulls won without the services of Derrick Rose (injured during the regular season), Luol Deng (botched spinal tap), and Kirk Hinrich (bruised calf) for most or all of the series.
Behind the efforts of Noah, the tenacious Bulls put fourth a heroic effort to win Game 7. For a short-handed team with limited talent, winning a playoff series in any capacity was a fantastic accomplishment.
After the Bulls’ Game 7 victory, Noah told reporters how much this victory meant to him.
"I’m just so proud of this team. We’ve been fighting through so much all year and to be in this situation, play on the biggest stage in the world and to be able to win and now play against the Heat, all these experiences, I (don’t) take those for granted. I’ll remember this for the rest of my life. (ESPN)"
Noah’s performance in this game epitomized the culture of perseverance, toughness and effort that allowed the Bulls to be successful during the 2012-2013 season.
The playoff series against the Nets was probably the most memorable playoff series for the Bulls during the Tom Thibodeau era.
Next: 'The Dunk'