This is Joakim Noah's time to take over the Chicago Bulls and lead them into the playoffs. They are currently tied with the Toronto Raptors for the last seed in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have 3 games left.
Noah said, "I'm a live-in-the-moment guy. Like my coach from college, the great Billy Donovan told me, 'Live in the moment.'"
Last night, the moment stretched into double overtime and the Bulls lost to the league worst New Jersey Nets for the 2nd time this season. They allowed 6'6" rookie Terrence Williams to get a triple double with 27 points, 13 boards & 10 assists. Overtime triple doubles aren't as noteworthy, but the Bulls have no business allowing a rookie on a lousy team to put up big numbers.
In a must win game for the Bulls, Nets center Brook Lopez tied the game on a rebound dunk with 0.1 seconds left. The Bulls blew a 7 point lead with 1:09 left in the first overtime. The Nets outscored Chicago 15-4 in the 2nd OT on their way to a 127-116 win.
Sunday night, the Bulls face the Raptors in Toronto. It's likely that the winner of that game will go on to claim the 8th seed. The Bulls last 2 games after Sunday are against the Celtics and Bobcats. The Celtics have been sliding, most recently losing to the Wizards at home. The Bobcats may choose to rest players if they have no advantage to be gained by winning. Both games are winnable for the Bulls, but could be tough challenges.
The Raptors play the Pistons & the Knicks in their final 2 games and will be without all-star Chris Bosh due to a broken nose. Hedo Turkoglu is struggling while playing with a protective face mask and the Raptors may have lost Antoine Wright due to a sprained ankle Friday night. Detroit and New York could be very dangerous for the Raptors. Both teams are playing with nothing to lose and the Raptors are struggling to find healthy players to compete.
In the Bulls last win against the Cavaliers on Thursday night, Noah posted 17 points and game highs in rebounds (15) and blocks (4). If he can play at that high level, the Bulls should edge the struggling Raptors and claim the 8th seed. When he dominates, the Bulls win.
Noah won 2 championships under his beloved college coach at Florida. More than any other player in Chicago, Noah knows how to close out important wins in crunch time. This is his time to step up & take over this young squad. They have been playing better basketball since his return from plantar fasciitis. He's their emotional leader. His moment to raise his game is now.
It's likely this Raptors team will be dismantled in the offseason. The Bulls may be doing Toronto a favor by starting the process early.
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