Chicago Bulls' Ronnie Brewer and Joakim Noah injured: NBA Update
Two pivotal players for the Chicago Bulls, guard Ronnie Brewer and centre Joakim Noah, were injured in Chicago’s 103-90 victory against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
Knicks guard Toney Douglas missed a shot early in the second quarter and the 26-year-old Brewer pounced on the loose ball. However, he sprained his thumb in a clash with Anthony Carter. Brewer did not return to the court, finishing with no points, two rebounds
and one assist in the victory.
Initially, Brewer was concerned that he may have a serious injury. He said, "When I first did it, I thought I broke it. Because it swollen up instantly and I was like, 'Oh, man. Not with two games left, I broke my thumb.' Even if that was that was the case
I was going to try to get it taped and play through it. But I'm glad it wasn't a break or anything."
The former University of Arkansas player left the arena with a brace around his injured thumb, and the signs of intense pain were quite clear from his facial expressions.
The X-Ray reports on Brewer’s thumb were negative but he is doubtful for the Bulls’ last game of the season against the lowly New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night.
A Bulls' spokesperson told reporters that team physician, Dr. Brian Cole, and hand specialists at Midwest Orthopaedics would re-examine Brewer on Wednesday. Therefore, his return to the line-up would depend on his condition before the game.
Whether Brewer plays in the upcoming fixture or not, he is confident about his participation in the first game of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
Joakim Noah, on the other hand, did further damage to his already sprained right ankle in the same game when he accidentally fell to the ground. He left the court with ninety seconds remaining in the game and did not return. However, he appears to be fine
as he said, "I'm OK. I'm good. I am fine. I just fell on my ankle a little funny, but I'm fine."
Prior to injury, the 26-year-old Noah had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists for the Bulls, who won their eighth straight game of the season.
Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, did not seem bothered at all by Noah's injury, as he tried to send him back on to the court in the closing seconds. Thibodeau said, "He said he could go back in. I liked his energy a lot tonight. I thought he played well."
With just three days to go before the start of the playoffs, injuries to two of their main players is no doubt a major concern for the Bulls. However, the dazzling Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer are flying high nowadays, and have the ability to step up when
needed.
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