Two days away from his 27th birthday and after notching his first career triple-double in Wednesdays 110-91 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, a team function was planned for Joakim Noah and while usually not shy about his speaking his mind, he offered no details of the celebration.
Its going to be a hell of a night. Its going to be a team function and Im not telling you where it is, Noah jokingly told reporters after the game.
Noah finished the game with 13 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
He became just the second center in Bulls history to record a triple-double since Artis Gilmore achieved the feat on Dec. 20, 1977 against the Atlanta Hawks, dropping 35 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks.
Making Noahs triple-double even rarer is the fact that most centers rarely accomplish a triple-double with double-digit assists.
Needing just a basket to complete the milestone, Noah slammed home a basket with 38 seconds remaining and was fouled in the act and converted his free throw for the three-point play.
After making a 19-foot jumper to close the quarter, Noah celebrated with his customary finger guns routine.
NBA
Asked afterwards where the celebration came from, Noah revealed that it comes from the Swedish former soccer player Kennet Andersson who sometimes celebrated scoring a goal by pulling the finger guns out of imaginary holsters and firing them.
Noah holds American, French and Swedish citizenship and mother, Cecilia, was Miss Sweden in 1978.
While his celebration might have more flair than the former footballer's subtle gesture, its a tribute that Andersson would be proud of.
Enjoy these highlights of Andersson.
And for your viewing pleasure, here are some animated gifs depicting Noah's "finger guns".
(Courtesy of @Jose3030)
(Courtesy of SBNation Chicago)