A Solid Return in the Post-All-Star Break Opener
The New York Knicks returned from the All-Star break with a thrilling 113-111 win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, setting a positive tone for the second half of the season. This victory came despite the absence of key players and the rust that often accompanies such a long break. Here are the key takeaways from the game:
Adjusting to Absences and the Break
With OG Anunoby still out due to a right foot sprain and Josh Hart dealing with patellofemoral syndrome, head coach Tom Thibodeau had to shuffle his lineup. The starting five consisted of Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, Precious Achiuwa, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The team’s offense struggled in the opening quarter, managing just 19 points, which is only the sixth time this season they’ve been held under 20 in the first 12 minutes. Both teams attempted numerous three-pointers (30 in total) but both struggled from beyond the arc, with New York hitting 4 of 12 and Chicago a paltry 5 of 18.
Finding the Groove in the Second Quarter
The Knicks’ offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, thanks largely to Jalen Brunson’s 13 points. Support came from the bench, including a brief but impactful 17-minute stint from Ariel Hukporti, who contributed 2 points, 5 rebounds, and a vicious block in the fourth quarter. Despite the bench scoring just 12 points (compared to the Bulls’ 33), the starters carried the load, leading New York into halftime with a 50-43 advantage.
Towns Takes Over in the Third
The third quarter saw a dramatic shift, with Karl-Anthony Towns erupting for 20 points, including the team’s last 10 points of the quarter and 16 of the last 18. Towns’ scoring was crucial, contributing more than half of the Knicks’ total points in the quarter (33). Despite this, the Bulls managed to cut the deficit to just two points by the end of the quarter, thanks to a balanced attack and a strong finish from beyond the arc (7 for 10 in the quarter).
A Defensive Battle in the Fourth
The fourth quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to score consistently. Mikal Bridges provided crucial defensive moments, including a game-saving block on Nikola Vucevic’s potential game-winning shot with just two seconds left. The game saw several lead changes, with Chicago’s Josh Giddey showcasing a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 27 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Vucevic’s three-pointer with 50 seconds left put the Bulls ahead, but Brunson’s step-back jumper tied the game, sending it into overtime.
Overtime Heroics
In the overtime period, the Knicks started strong with a three-pointer from Miles McBride. Karl-Anthony Towns then took over, using his scoring prowess to maintain the lead. The final moments were tense, but the Knicks held on for the 113-111 victory, a testament to their resilience and determination.
Game MVP: Karl-Anthony Towns
While several players had standout moments, Karl-Anthony Towns was the clear MVP for the Knicks. He finished with 32 points and 18 rebounds, filling up the stat sheet and making key contributions when it mattered most. Honorable mention goes to Mikal Bridges for his crucial defensive play, especially his perfectly timed block against Vucevic.
What’s Next
The Knicks have little time to celebrate, as they face the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on the road at 7 p.m. on Friday night. This quick turnaround will be a test of their endurance and focus, but the win over the Bulls provides a morale boost and a strong foundation for the second half of the season.
