Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah Out, Nikola Mirotic In; Pau Gasol Rejects LeBron James

Oct 28, 2015 11:10 AM EDT

The Chicago Bulls got their pound of flesh following the slaughter they experienced in the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the past NBA season. In the first game between the two NBA teams, the Chicago Bulls pulled off a heart-stopping win over the Cleveland Cavaliers - a move that revived the hope of the fans and followers of the Derrick Rose franchise. Moreover, the 97-95 narrow win of the Chicago Bulls now provides head coach David Blatt the confidence to beat possibly the LeBron James basketball squad in the Eastern Conference this season.

The first NBA match this season between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers saw Joakim Noah sitting out the majority of the game. Earlier reports indicated that Fred Hoiberg intended to keep the player benched for Nikola Mirotic. Since the starting power forward post was given to Nikola Mirotic, the Chicago Bulls' head coach opted to slide Pau Gasol to take over the center position. These changes effectively bumped off Joakim Noah and removed him from the post that he held in the Chicago Bulls roster for approximately seven years. While some loyal fans of the Chicago Bulls frowned upon these decisions, the head coach's move proved to be the right one as Nikola Mirotic brought forth an incredible performance that was complemented smoothly by Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.

"[Joakim] Noah coming off the bench represents the most dramatic lineup change under [Fred] Hoiberg and the opener offered a glimpse of why he likes it," noted David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. The sports commentator further shared, "When subs Noah and Taj Gibson were paired in the first quarter, they conspired to change the game with instant defensive intensity Bulls starters mostly lack. Hoiberg understands this isn't a team that necessarily will be known for its defense. But with the game on the line, the Bulls proved they still can play it."

The game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers saw Nikola Mirotic pitch in 19 points; while Derrick Rose scored 18 points. Sports analysts noted that the Chicago Bulls played a more open offensive game under the guidance of Fred Hoiberg compared with the reign of Tom Thibodeau - a change that saw the likes of Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol being able to handle the great LeBron James.

In fact, one of the highlights of the basketball match was the rejected shot of Cleveland Cavaliers' King James courtesy of Pau Gasol. Immediately following that missed opportunity, Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler actively blocked Mo Williams to prevent him from eventually passing the ball to LeBron James presumably to take yet another shot at the basket.

"That is how we are going to win every game," said Derrick Rose following the victory of the Chicago Bulls over the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Fox Sports. "It feels good going into every game knowing you have the possibility of winning. You have a chance of winning every game because we are so good and deep."