NEW YORK --- Joakim Noah usually brings so much energy to the court that when he doesn't it's obvious. Such was the case Sunday when he played just 26:54 and sat out much of the fourth quarter before making key plays late in regulation and in overtime.

"When you're an energy player you have to bring it every game," Thibodeau said. "He's shown that when he plays with great energy he's terrific and when he's playing with great energy we're playing with great energy. It wasn't only him. It was our entire team."

Noah had 10 points with five rebounds and two turnovers.

"I know I can play better," said Noah, who spent much of his childhood in New York rooting for the Knicks. "I want to be out there more, too."