Bulls’ Joakim Noah talks Cavs, didn’t know who Cardale Jones was
By Mark Carman
The series moves to Chicago for a crucial Game 3 between the Bulls and the Cavaliers.
Joakim Noah echoed what his coach Tom Thibodeau said after the Chicago Bulls practice Thursday afternoon.
“They (Cavs) were definitely the more aggressive team. They played with more urgency,” Noah said.
Expect the Bulls at the very least to match Cleveland’s intensity in what could be viewed as a must win for Chicago, who doesn’t want to give back home court advantage. Noah said that “every game is a must-win in the playoffs” but the series would take on a different feel if Cleveland wrestles back home-court after Game 3.
Noah has been abysmal at the free throw line in the playoffs, 1-14, just 7 percent. The misses have been as bad as the numbers, air-balls and banked shots included. Asked whether his performance at the line is a mental thing Noah tried to sound optimistic.
“Nah. It’s been very disappointing. I just have to keep working and make some more,” Noah said.
Noah and Pau Gasol played one-on-one after practice and Noah is normally one of the last players off the court, but he has missed a lot of time trying to get his body healthy, perhaps leading to his timing being off and his body becoming deconditioned.
Noah was reportedly spit on walking to the locker room after Game 2.
Asked about the incident Noah was not interested in giving out any of the alleged spitting details saying “I don’t want to talk about that.” He added “he was just saying hello” to the fan he reached out to.
If that wasn’t enough there was Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones on the big board at the Q saying “lets bring another championship to Ohio” and Noah reportedly mouthing at him “you ain’t in the SEC”. That got Jones to take to Twitter and call out Noah.
I'm at @JoakimNoah neck the rest of the series for that comment
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) May 7, 2015
Noah said he didn’t know you Jones was trying to diffuse the exchange,
“I didn’t know who he was until this morning. I wish him (Jones) nothing but the best. I like Urban Meyer,” Noah said.
Despite the slight distractions from Game 2 and Noah’s struggles from the field and free throw line Tom Thibodeau praised Noah and mentioned the team was “plus” when Noah was on the floor. His minutes will not change. Noah was appreciative hearing the support, “Thanks, Thibs.”