The Chicago Bulls already know what a good night against the New York Knicks looks like. The trick now is doing it again at Madison Square Garden.
When these teams last met, Chicago turned in its best performance of the season and pushed the Knicks hard. New York did help the Bulls out with a sluggish offensive start, but Chicago still took advantage and made things uncomfortable for the reigning champs. That kind of effort will be tougher to duplicate on the road, especially after the Bulls’ third loss by 19 points or more on Monday.
If Chicago is going to stay in the fight, the defense has to travel. The Bulls did a lot right the last time around by crowding the paint and making life difficult at the rim.
New York finished just 18-for-41 on shots inside the restricted area, and Chicago’s help defense was active all night. The Bulls also came away with seven steals and forced the Knicks into double-digit turnovers.
That matters because New York’s offense has not been overwhelming this season; the Knicks enter with only the 21st offensive rating in the NBA. Another sharp defensive showing could be enough to keep Chicago close.
But defense alone won’t be enough if the Bulls get buried on the boards again. New York controlled the glass in the first meeting, finishing with a 50-39 rebounding edge.
Karl-Anthony Towns led that effort with 13 rebounds, and the Knicks piled up 16 offensive boards on the way to 23 second-chance points. That kind of extra-possession damage is exactly what Chicago has to avoid if it wants a shot at the upset.
And if the game is tight late, the Bulls have to be ready for the Knicks’ closing burst. New York erased a 19-point deficit at the United Center with ease last time, and Jalen Brunson did the heavy lifting in the fourth quarter.
He scored 14 points in the final frame, hit three huge triples, and helped create open looks for teammates behind the arc. The Knicks shot nearly 60.0 percent from the field in the fourth quarter, which made Chicago’s 10-for-19 shooting effort in that period irrelevant.
Chicago comes in at 1-6, while New York is 3-4. Tipoff is set for 6:30 PM CT at Madison Square Garden.
Starting lineups: Chicago Bulls: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Jalen Smith New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns
The Knicks have ruled out Josh Hart because of an ankle injury. Hart didn’t do much scoring damage in the previous matchup, but he did grab 8 rebounds and hand out 3 assists. His absence on the glass, especially from the backcourt, could give Chicago a little more breathing room.
Jalen Smith is probable with a finger injury, while Nic Claxton is questionable with a hamstring issue.
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