NBA teams
Nick Friedell, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Joakim Noah returns for Bulls

NBA, Chicago Bulls

DALLAS -- Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah played Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the last four games because of a sprained right ankle.

Noah has been dealing with the same ankle injury since early December. He also has had ongoing issues related to offseason left knee surgery.

After winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award last season, Noah is averaging just 7.6 points and 9.4 rebounds this season, and does not look as quick moving around on the knee.

Noah was upbeat before Friday's 102-98 win over the Mavs and appeared excited to face his good friend, Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Noah will remain on a minutes restriction, but is confident he will find his form in the second half of the season.

"When you look at the rebound and assist numbers, they're very similar to what they were a year ago," Thibodeau said. "He hasn't scored the way he did last year, but that will come."

Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy missed his 11th consecutive game Friday night because of a right ankle injury suffered Jan. 1.

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