Hard work gives Noah a real shot
BULLS | After many hours in the gym, his game is more than effort, energy
Of everything Joakim Noah did on the court Saturday night in the best performance of his career, one move excited everyone connected with the Bulls, from the players to the coaches to the front-office personnel.
Late in the third quarter of the 93-90 comeback victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, Noah got the ball in the post, made a nifty move toward the baseline, turned and released a feather-soft left-handed hook shot that swished through the hoop.
It was an element of the game -- polished post moves -- he wasn't supposed to possess. Afterward, Noah was asked where that shot came from.
''A lot of work,'' he said with a smile. ''It came from a lot of hours in the gym this summer.
''It makes me feel confident. It makes me feel like I have to be more aggressive. Sometimes when I'm on the court, I don't demand the ball or do anything like that. I feel like I have to be aggressive with my duck-ins and my teammates will find me.''
The most impressive aspect of Noah scoring a career-high 21 points was he took only about three or four shots in the framework of the offense. The rest of his attempts -- he was 10-for-12 for the game -- came from crashing the boards for offensive rebounds.
He didn't alter his focus from the usual defense and rebounding, as his 16 rebounds and four blocked shots will attest.
''I've been impressed by Jo this season,'' teammate John Salmons said. ''He gave us 21 points, and that's like extra with all the other stuff he does for us. He's been one of those 'glue' guys, one of those guys when you have them it's hard to play without them.''
As crazy as it sounds, Noah quietly has become one of the top 12 or so true centers in the NBA. He's not a big-time scorer, but he does things that don't get noticed in the box score.
He's stronger this season and is better able to hold his ground against big centers. That much was evident against Shaquille O'Neal of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Noah also is able to play strong post defense without fouling, which is no small factor because it keeps him on the court and keeps the Bulls from exceeding the foul limit early in quarters.
With starting power forward Tyrus Thomas out for at least a month with a fractured left forearm, Noah assumes a larger role. He played more than 40 minutes against the Bobcats and, for at least one game, showed he's up to the challenge.
''We need him to control the paint and rebound for us,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''I've seen him practice so much, and I was pleased to see him get the ball in the post, take that drop step and go to the left hook.''
Through six games, Noah is averaging 11.3 points (on 60.9 percent shooting), 11 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. The Bulls would be delighted if he maintains those numbers.
''I feel there are things I still have to do better,'' he said. ''I've got to hit free throws at the end of the games. I get too intense. I really have to chill out and make them at the end of the game.''