Big Win

For all the talk that the NBA is moving away from relying on its tallest players to provide the most entertainment, you sure couldn't tell with how the Bulls are playing these days.  We all know how well Joakim Noah has played.  Then, we have the story of Taj Gibson continuing to play up to his potential in Carlos Boozer's absence.  So it should be no surprise that these two were the leaders in tonight's 100-85 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

With the Bulls reclaiming occupancy of the United Center following Disney on Ice's extended stay, Noah decided to remind everyone the boys, and specifically he, was back.  The All-Star achieved his fourth career triple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.  He also added three blocks to be the only player with multiple blocks on the night.  There's nothing he can't do right now.

Gibson led all scorers, including the six Bulls who reached double figures, with 24.  His 12 rebounds in 46 minutes gave him a double-double, a feat also earned by Jimmy Butler thanks to a 12-and-13 line.  I know in box scores, he can be comparable to Boozer.  However, there just seems to be so much more upside to him it's easy to see why no one can wait to see him assume his regular spot in the starting lineup sometime in the future.  Of course, if Nikola Mirotic finds a way to usurp his place in line after his arrival, look out for the Bulls.

With the club back to over .500 and one game left before the All-Star break, it's a testament to how these guys refuse to give up no matter what the circumstances.  Noah and Gibson are especially emerging as a duo that can be dangerous together at any given time.  It's just a shame they'll only be starting together for a limited time.  It would be nice to see Boozer phased out a la Rip Hamilton at the end of last year.  Of course, Boozer has way more talent and is making much more money, so I don't see that happening.  In the meantime, we'll see how much more damage the aforementioned big men can collectively cause.

The final game before Noah heads to New Orleans for All-Star Weekend will be Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets.  A national TV audience will watch and wonder just how this team has managed to stay afloat at the official halfway point of the season.  Hopefully, those not yet convinced why will have their reasons when it's all over.