Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah Turn Back The Clock In First Trip Back To Chicago

Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah had a successful return to Chicago as the New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls.

Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah spent all of their NBA careers with the Chicago Bulls prior to this season. Rose was the No.1 overall pick in 2008, joining the team after they selected Noah No.9 overall in 2007. The two become the pillars for the organization before injuries beset them.

The injuries for Rose have been well documented. Since winning the 2010-11 MVP award, Rose has battled a myriad of injuries. They have sapped him of his otherworldly athleticism and caused him to change his game drastically.

Noah finished fourth in the MVP voting after the 2013-14 season and has seen his effectiveness crater since as well because of injuries. Noah struggled to have an impact on either end of the court and the Bulls allowed him to leave as a free agent.

The two joined back up for the 2016-17 season with the New York Knicks. The Knicks traded for Rose, Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, and Jerian Grant. They followed that up by making Noah their marquee signing of free agency, agreeing to a four-year, $72 million deal.

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On paper, it looks good, but on the court, there is work that still needs to be done. Both Rose and Noah missed time during training camp; Rose because of a civil suit alleging he and two friends raped and ex-girlfriend and Noah because of a hamstring injury. Both are working their way back into shape, but for one night they showed that there is still something left in the tank.

The Knicks made faced the Bulls for the first time this season, and only time in Chicago. It was the much-anticipated return for Rose and Noah, a date both undoubtedly have circled on their calendars.

Both players received loud ovations during pre-game introductions. Rose heard some scattered boos during the intros and was booed every time he touched the ball early in the game. It was something Rose was ready for, and he didn’t let it bother him.

“I love when the crowd is into it,” Rose said. “I knew there was going to be some yells, I knew there were going to be some boos. I’m from here, I’m used to it. I’ve been getting it since I was in sixth grade going to play on the West Side and me being from the South Side.”

The Bulls also put together a video package for the two that was shown during a timeout in the first quarter.

Rose admitted to trying to watch the video, but Noah would not allow it. He wanted Rose to stay focused on the game as the Knicks tried to win their second game of the season. It is something they would end up doing in large part because of the production from Rose and Noah.

Rose has looked explosive at times during the season, but hasn’t been getting teammates involved much. He was averaging only 2.5 assists per game heading into Chicago, but against the Bulls he found a happy medium.

Rose would register a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists. He showed some flashes of the old Derrick Rose, going coast-to-coast multiple times for impressive finishes around the basket. He got teammates involved, handing out five assists in the decisive fourth quarter.

Not to be outdone, Noah also put together a game that was reminiscent of his glory days with the Bulls. The extra motivation from facing his old team brought out the best in Noah, as he has been off to a slow start with the Knicks.

Coming into the game, Noah went scoreless in two-of-four games. Against the Bulls, Noah more than doubled his shots made and doubled his points scored. In the victory, Noah went 7-of-11 for 16 points after scoring only three bucks and eight points in the previous four games.

Noah stuffed also stuffed the rest of the stat sheet as he had done so many times with the Bulls in the past. Along with the 16 points, Noah grabbed nine rebounds with four assists and three steals as he impacted the game on both ends of the court.

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It all resulted in a successful return to Chicago as the Knicks picked up the victory. Rose and Noah provided plenty of help in the win and gave a glimpse of what can be for the Knicks this season. Rose and Noah are rounding into shape and if Friday night was a sign of things to come, the Knicks should experience plenty of success in the coming months.