Noah a big spark for Bulls

CHICAGO — Former Gator star Joakim Noah is the Chicago Bulls’ energy guy, and if this is the kind of boost he’s going to provide, they’ll certainly take it.

Noah had 20 points and 16 rebounds to lead the short-handed Chicago Bulls to an 87-86 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

“I’m trying to be more aggressive, but at the same time, not do too much,” said Noah, who finished strong last season. “I understand my role is always going to be the energy guy, try to get offensive rebounds, try to get extra possessions for my team. If I can add like a hook shot or something, especially at end-of-the-clock situations, I think that can help the team.”

Noah certainly helped the Bulls on Tuesday.

His performance was enough to offset Hakim Warrick’s 25 points for the Bucks and help Chicago prevail on a night when it blew an eight-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.