NEW YORK – The New York Knicks secured a convincing 116-100 win against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, propelled by Julius Randle’s 35 points and Jalen Brunson’s 31 points and 13 assists.
Randle and Brunson were the driving forces behind the Knicks’ offense, effectively navigating the Bulls’ defense. OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo each contributed 11 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein delivered a standout performance with a career-high 20 rebounds, 10 points, and five blocks. Hartenstein emphasized his role versatility, highlighting his scoring abilities and his commitment to fulfilling the team’s needs.
The Bulls, led by DeMar DeRozan with 28 points and Colby White with 26, faced challenges compounded by the absence of two key scorers. Nikola Vucevic missed his fifth consecutive game due to a strained left adductor, and Zach LaVine was sidelined with inflammation in his right foot.
Chicago initially held the lead, with Alex Caruso’s 3-pointer giving them a 54-44 advantage late in the first half. However, the Knicks closed the gap to 55-51 at halftime and then opened the second half with an 8-2 run to regain the lead.
Throughout the third quarter, the Knicks incrementally built their lead, entering the fourth quarter ahead 86-78. The Bulls briefly narrowed the deficit to just one point on DeRozan’s 3-pointer, but the Knicks responded with a 9-2 run to extend their lead again.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the Knicks’ strong performance, particularly highlighting the impact of Randle and Brunson in the game’s critical moments. His team struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, which ultimately cost them the game.
In the final stretch, the Knicks maintained their lead, eventually going on an 11-point run to secure the victory. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau credited the team’s success to their focus on making simple plays and effective teamwork.
Looking ahead, the Bulls will host Charlotte on Friday night, hoping to rebound from this setback. Meanwhile, the Knicks face a challenging game against Philadelphia, also on Friday. This victory for the Knicks not only showcases their offensive capabilities but also their resilience and ability to come back from behind, setting a positive tone as they continue their season.
