New York Knicks center Joakim Noah did not play in Sunday's showdown with the Atlanta Hawks due to illness, the team announced.

Kyle O'Quinn - a 6-foot-10 big man - started in his place.

Noah has struggled during his first year in the Big Apple, averaging 4.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 45.1 percent shooting.

After beginning the week with back-to-back victories, the Knicks surrendered 119 points in a loss to the Washington Wizards on Thursday, but bounced back by defeating the Hawks 104-94 on Sunday.