It took a big collective performance from the Chicago Bulls to win at home Saturday night against the New Orleans Pelicans (98-94). Manhandled by the franchise of Alexis Ajinça, holder and author of 6 points and 6 rebounds, Fred Hoiberg’s men finally rested on an effective bench (52 pts) to take control at the end of the match. At 94-94, Aaron Brooks (15 pts) was responsible for scoring a decisive lay-up before seeing Derrick Rose (9 pts) close the mark with a shot 11 seconds from the buzzer.
Author of 10 points – his season record – for 9 rebounds and 4 blocks, Joakim Noah actively participated in this success with 30 minutes of play. His coach even gave him praise, satisfied with the Frenchman’s involvement in the match. “Jo made all the difference with her energyrejoiced Fred Hoiberg. During the action where he bypassed Anthony Davis and dunked (75-71), I thought he was going to run into the crowd and throw himself at people“. Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans both finished top scorers (22 pts) but lacked skill (8/24 and 10/22). This second success in a row allows Chicago to settle in third place in the East. The New Orleans Pelicans do not take off from 14th place in the West.