Noah’s career-high 13 assists lead surging Bulls past Raptors

TORONTO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) — Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah recorded a career-high 13 assists in the team’s 94-92 victory over the Toronto Raptors in NBA action on Wednesday night.

The victory was the Bull’s fourth in a row as they improve to 16-7 since the New Year and 28-25 on the season.

Entering the season, the seven-year veteran averaged 2.1 assists in 395 games in his first six seasons. He has more than doubled his career average with 4.6 assists per game this season, including 6.1 assists per game since the New Year.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau believes Noah is a talented player with a diverse skill set.

“Jo (Noah) can hurt you in a lot of different ways. Normally, you see the great defence and the big time rebounding,” said Thibodeau following the game. “To me, it was the pass tonight. He was great with the pass. That’s the value of having a guy like that.”

In the month of February, the 2.11 meter Noah has eclipsed his previous career-high in assists twice. He recorded 11 assists on Feb. 6 against the Warriors and Feb. 11 against the Hawks.

His previous career-best in assists was ten, accomplished twice in the 2012-13 season and once in the 2011-12 season.

Noah credits his teammates and their ability to operate a successful dibble hand-off game for his recent successes.

“My teammates making shots,” said Noah after the game. “I feel really comfortable with the dribble hand-off game. I feel I’m better with that.”

The two-time All-Star specifically credits guard D.J. Augustin for his success.

“He’s changed everything. For me personally, I don’t think I would have made the All-Star team if it wasn’t for DJ,” said Noah.

Despite losing All-Star guard Derek Rose for the rest of the season, Noah and the playoff-bound Bulls feel confident in their remaining 29 games of the season.

“It’s been a hell of a turnaround. We’re not satisfied with being three games over .500,” said Noah. “We’re a hungry group, we’re excited. We just want to keep fighting and keep getting better.”

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2014-02/20/c_133130188.htm