Bulls seal emphatic win over rivals to boost morale.
Chicago Bulls star Joakim Noah has conceded that both the team and city just “don’t like the Miami Heat” following their 107-87 win over their rivals on Thursday night.
The Bulls center is loved in Chicago for his attitude on and off the court, and he believes that he speaks for the majority of people in the city when it comes to the Heat.
Having battled it out in the Eastern Conference in recent years, Noah admitted that there are plenty of scars left by the defending champions who have ended the Bulls’ season on numerous occasions.
“I think the people in this city, there’s something about when Miami comes to town. You wake up in the morning, you just feel it. You feel … people in this city, they don’t like [the] Miami Heat. We don’t like the Miami Heat. It always feels good to beat them,” he told reporters after the win at the United Center.
“A lot of battles,” he added. “A lot of scars. A lot of tough losses. A lot of seasons ending because of them.”
The win was a significant boost for the Bulls as they have struggled in recent weeks following the setback suffered by point guard Derrick Rose.
Having missed the entire season last year due to a torn ACL, the explosive star sustained a torn meniscus in his other knee last month and is expected to miss this season too.
Noah insisted that he wants to “win with Derrick Rose”, and that he feeds off the hope that he brings the city and what he represents for the fans.
Nevertheless, the duo will now hope to reunite next year in their bid to bring the NBA championship back to Chicago, although there has been speculation that the remainder of the roster could be broken up in order for the franchise to rebuild.
Their win on Thursday night will undoubtedly give them additional belief that they can find a way without Rose, but various experts and analysts have written off their chances of winning a title this year.
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