Game 6 vs. the Boston Celtics: “The Dunk” (April 30, 2009)
The seventh-seeded Bulls took the defending champion Boston Celtics to seven games in a dramatic first round playoff series in 2009.
Joakim Noah recorded the decisive play in Game 6 that allowed the Bulls to force a Game 7.
With just over 40 seconds remaining in triple overtime, Noah stole the ball from Celtics star Paul Pierce. Noah proceeded to dribble down the length of the court and dunk with one hand on the trailing Pierce.
The game, the play and the dunk will forever hold a special place in Chicago Bulls lore. Noah’s dunk was arguably the most memorable single moment in Chicago Bulls history in the post-Jordan era of basketball.
"This series is a lot of fun for the fans, the people of Chicago, the people of Boston. It’s a lot of fun for us, too, playing in environments like this on the big stage. It’s special to be part of this, and I know that it’s a series people will be talking about for a long time. (ESPN)"
This play also bears personal significance for Noah as the moment when Chicago Bulls fans finally accepted him. Noah’s first two years in the league were tumultuous. He saw very little playing time because of injuries and off-the-court issues.
In January 2008, Noah’s teammates voted unanimously to suspend him for a confrontation at practice with assistant coach Ron Adams. Later that same year, Florida police arrested him for marijuana possession and having an open container of alcohol in his car.
These incidents, coupled with his spotty on-court production, caused many people to believe that the Bulls had made a mistake when they drafted Noah.
All of this changed during the playoff series with the Celtics. The dunk wasn’t a climax to Noah’s career, but an opportunity to foreshadow what he would continue to bring to this team for years to come.
The dunk was so Joakim Noah.
It showcased his hustle and toughness.
After he dunked, he let out one of his signature screams, letting fans know how passionate he is about the game.
The fact it came at such an important moment made it that much more special for Chicago Bulls fans.
Next: Conclusion