The Brooklyn Nets defended a 3-1 hole at home, as Brook Lopez put in another strong performance against Joakim Noah and the Chicago Bulls. Lopez has been strong all series against the Bulls, who really only have Noah to throw at him defensively. When he wasn't in the game, Lopez went to work, scoring 28 points to go with 10 boards. Noah, on the other hand, was a black hole offensively, and coach Tom Thibodeau couldn't afford to leave him on the court for long. In his 28 minutes, Noah managed just 11 points and four rebounds, earning a -23 on the night.
As a result, the forced a return trip to Chicago with a 110-91 victory.
Nice explosion by Brook Lopez – who is off to great start in 1st qtr as @brooklynnets try 2 stave off elimination @barclayscenter
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) April 29, 2013
Good start for the Nets, who lead 26-21 after one. Brook Lopez off to his typical hot start with 11 points and three boards.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 29, 2013
Like a gigantic ninja. RT @uuords: Brook Lopez is the sneakiest 7'2" dude ever
— Brett Koremenos (@BKoremenos) April 30, 2013
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballSource) April 30, 2013
Lopez scored 7 of his 11 points in the 4:12 after Noah left the floor. #notbreakingnews #NETSvBULLS
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) April 29, 2013
Oh wow, Joakim Noah just got his shot destroyed. That was depressing.
— SBNation NBA (@SBNationNBA) April 30, 2013
The Bulls have been outscored by 13 points in Joakim Noah's 14 minutes on the court in Game 5
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 30, 2013
I love that no one goes to block a Joakim Noah jumper after the whistle. 98% of the time, it'll block itself.
— Andrew Lynch (@AndrewLynch) April 30, 2013
Brook Lopez has thoroughly outplayed Joakim Noah.
— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) April 30, 2013
Adding injury to insult: Noah hurt his finger when Lopez dunked on him for that three-point play.
— Brian Mahoney (@briancmahoney) April 30, 2013
Terrific performance by Brook Lopez in a huge spot tonight. 28 points and 10 rebounds.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) April 30, 2013
