Derrick Rose is out for the rest of the playoffs for the Chicago Bulls, so they were in desperate need of someone to take over their offense coming into Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Many wondered who that man would be. C.J. Watson? John Lucas? Richard Hamilton?
Bulls Vs. 76ers, 2012 NBA Playoffs: Halftime Score, Chicago Leads 55-47
Nope. The Chicago Bulls' new offensive juggernaut is Joakim Noah. Hit 'em with that crossover, Joakim.
Noah has easily been the best player on the floor in the first half. In addition to playing fantastic defense, he has 14 points on 7-7 shooting, and he’s helped the Bulls to a 55-47 lead over the Sixers at halftime.
Watson and Lucas have stepped up as well. Watson’s numbers -- 1-3 shooting and one assist -- aren’t flashy, but he hasn’t turned the ball over in 11 minutes on the floor as the primary ball-handler. Lucas has been spectacular, Tallying 11 points and three assists, along with just one turnover in 12 minutes.
However, they haven't been great on the defensive end. Just like the regular season between these two teams in which Rose was unable to play, no one has been able to guard Jrue Holiday. He has 17 points for the 76ers on 7-8 shooting. He's been far and away the biggest bright spot for the Sixers. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it hasn't been a good day for Spencer Hawes. He has zero points and was told to sit down in emphatic fashion when he came off the floor in the second quarter.
For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Sixers, please visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.
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