Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed 19 points and nine assists, helping the New York Knicks secure a 105-99 victory over the struggling Chicago Bulls on Sunday night. Towns’ strong performance was central to the Knicks’ effort, ensuring they halted the Bulls’ momentum during this tough stretch.
Chicago Bulls Struggle Continues with Ninth Consecutive Loss
The Bulls extended their longest losing streak since the 2018-19 season, dropping their ninth straight game. Despite the close score, Sunday’s loss marked the narrowest margin during this difficult period for Chicago. Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 15 points, and Guerschon Yabusele recorded a double-double, tallying 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Knicks Hold Off Bulls in Final Minutes
Collin Sexton and Buzelis each hit 3-pointers during an 8-0 run that briefly put the Bulls ahead 95-94 with just under four minutes left. However, the Knicks finished strong, going on an 11-4 run with Towns scoring six key points to seal the win. Towns also reached a streak of five consecutive games with at least 20 points, demonstrating his consistency.
Momentum Shift in Third Quarter Favors Knicks
New York grabbed a slim 60-59 lead on a Mikal Bridges three-pointer early in the third quarter, sparking a 13-2 run fueled by seven points from Brunson and five from Bridges. Both teams played the second game of a back-to-back, but the Bulls again faded in the third quarter, trailing 31-25 while coughing up seven turnovers after just six giveaways in the first half.
Additional Contributions and Game Dynamics
Landry Shamet added 16 points for the Knicks, with Josh Hart and Bridges each contributing 11. For Chicago, Isaac Okoro and Jalen Smith both scored 12 points, and Patrick Williams recorded 10 points along with eight assists. The Bulls held a lead of up to eight points in the first half and maintained a narrow 53-52 advantage at halftime.
Three-Point Shooting and First Half Performance
Okoro, Smith, and Yabusele combined to score nine points each in the first half, making six of Chicago’s nine three-point shots before the break. Towns led all players with 17 points in the opening half, setting the tone for the Knicks’ eventual comeback.
Impact on Season Series and Upcoming Matchups
With this victory, New York secured at least a split in the four-game season series against Chicago, halting the Bulls’ attempt to win consecutive season series for the first time since 2013. The two teams are scheduled to meet one final time this regular season on April 3, when the Knicks will host the Bulls at home.
