Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah (L) rebounds with Miami Heat's Joel Anthony during the first half in Game 1 of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff basketball game in Chicago May 15, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

The gap-toothed Noah, his long, frizzy hair pulled back in a pony tail, had a game-high 14 rebounds, including eight off the offensive glass, to help the Bulls charge past the Heat 103-82 in the opening game of their best-of-seven series.

Add two blocks, two steals, four assists, nine points and an unbridled spirit for a full picture of Noah's worth.

"He's awesome," forward Boozer told reporters. "His energy has been great. He's so emotional it's phenomenal."

The 26-year-old Noah, taken ninth overall in the 2007 NBA Draft after winning back-to-back US national college titles at Florida, did not travel a routine path to the NBA.