The Chicago Bulls overcame a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter by outscoring Memphis 29-16 in the final frame to force overtime and did so without their starting center Joakim Noah.
Joakim Noah benched during Bulls’ comeback against Grizzlies
Joakim Noah did not play in the fourth quarter or in overtime versus Memphis on Saturday.
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor
Noah checked out of the game at the 5:53 mark of the third quarter and did not play in the fourth quarter or overtime as the Bulls eventually fell to the Grizzlies, 85-82.
Noah played just under 27 minutes and recorded 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks in the game but Steve Aschburner of the Hang Time Blog is curious about Noah’s benching in a close game.
Aschburner is specifically speculative about a stretch in overtime when Taj Gibson fouled out and coach Tom Thibodeau opted to bring in Nazr Mohammed as opposed to Noah.
Thibodeau said after a game that Mohammed’s insertion was a “coaching decision.” Noah exited the locker room without speaking to reporters on Saturday.
Noah is averaging 12.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 blocks and is being considered for a reserve role on the All-Star team this season.
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