On Friday, the Knicks (3-3) lost by ten in Chicago to finish a three-game, three-loss road trip. Tonight, they opened a seven-game homestand with a rematch versus those same Bulls (5-1). Once again, the visitors
pushed the pace, but the home team countered with blistering shooting (13-of-21 3PT), a 19-point first-quarter from Jalen Brunson, and refreshing bench production from Jordan Clarkson and Josh Hart. Though Chicago briefly took a second-quarter lead, New York steadied itself for a 68–60 halftime score.
In the third quarter, the Knicks doubled-down on defense and Hart continued to electrify as the lead reached 18 points. Our heroes turned stops into fast-break points, shared the ball beautifully, and stayed perfect at the line to build a 105–89 lead entering the fourth and coast to a 128-116 win.
Mike Brown played essentially a nine-man rotation, with Guerschon Yabusele logging a scant two minutes. The players he trusted rewarded him in spades. His squad shot 20-of-42 from deep and made all 22 of their free-throws. Brunson recorded his 9,000th career point tonight and finished with 31 points in 32 minutes. Karl-Anthony Towns was fantastic, with 20 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. But most importantly, their bench contributed 46 points, with 15 from Clarkson, 14 from Hart, nine from Shamet, and eight from McBride.
The Bulls had seven players with double-digit points. Josh Giddey finished with 23 points, 12 boards, and 12 dimes.
First Half
Coming as no surprise after Friday’s game, the Bulls run, run, run. The Knicks responded with different energy, however. Brunson played with a chip on his shoulder, netting 19 first-quarter points, while Towns added outside shooting and rim protection.
New York’s defense was inconsistent, but Big Mitch did his part, blocking shots and controlling the glass. Bridges was surprisingly vocal when his teammates failed to run back. He’s looking much more assertive in his second year as a Knick. To wit:
Chicago found some rhythm midway through behind Josh Giddey and Isaac Okoro, but New York’s depth kept momentum on their side. By quarter’s end, the Knicks were comfortably in control, 34-24. They had shot better overall (41% vs 33%) and scorched from three (6-of-10 vs 4-of-12). They also owned the glass (17 to 14), moved the rock well (seven assists), and hit all six of their free-throws.
To start the second quarter, Jalen Brunson sat on the bench and watched a 12-point lead evaporate. After falling behind 46-44, though, the Knicks got their act together. Clarkson played his best quarter as a Knick, making 3-of-5 from downtown for 11 points, and Josh Hart chipped in eight points and four boards in his 13 first-half minutes. The teams traded runs late, but thanks to the help from the second unit, New York took a 68-60 advantage into halftime.
Second Half
In the first minute of the second half, Robinson came down on Giddey’s shoe and hurt his ankle. After a trip to the locker room, he returned to the action. It was a welcome sign, but a reminder that every minute of Robinson is borrowed time. (Safe to assume he won’t play in tomorrow’s game against the ‘Zards.)
The Knicks dominated throughout the third frame. With an intense commitment to defense, they turned blocks and steals and harassing play into points going the other way. New York’s ball movement created open looks—Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Miles McBride all connected from deep—while Josh Hart’s energy sparked key transition moments. And through three frames, they shot a perfect 19-of-19 from the free throw line. Heading into the final period, they were ahead 105-89.
To start the final frame, Clarkson and Hart continued to provide energy, and Towns was a beast on both ends of the floor. Shamet and McBride knocked down threes, and Anunoby provided his usual defensive stability. The Bulls got some late scoring from Nikola Vučević and Josh Giddey, but turnovers and missed threes sabotaged their efforts.
Midway through the frame, the Bulls went on a 9-0 run, but down the stretch, the Knicks maintained control, closing out the game with the most poise they’ve shown so far this season. Brunson led the way, hitting clutch shots and free throws. The Bulls’ late push, fueled by another Giddey scoring burst, was too little, too late. Coach Brown emptied the bench in the final minute, letting Pacôme Dadiet and Tyler Kolek come on to close it out. The Knicks remain perfect at home!
Up Next
Our heroes return to action tomorrow in a tilt with the Wizards. Rest up, Knickerbockers.
