CHICAGO — Karl-Anthony Towns took control in the final minutes as the New York Knicks edged out the Chicago Bulls 105-99 on Sunday at the United Center. Towns scored seven of the Knicks’ last 11 points, securing the win for New York despite a challenging road game.
The Bulls, currently in the midst of a troubling nine-game losing streak, appeared resigned to defeat. Meanwhile, the Knicks, who now hold a 37-21 record, were pushed to their limits before Towns’ clutch performance in the closing moments ensured the victory.
Bulls Struggle Amid Roster Changes and Injuries
Chicago’s setbacks went beyond the scoreboard as several starters were limited by minutes restrictions and only minimally participated in the fourth quarter. Notably, veterans Coby White and Nikola Vucevic were traded before the deadline, weakening the Bulls’ lineup.
Despite the depleted roster, the Bulls stayed competitive for most of the game. Guerschon Yabusele, who was previously part of the Knicks rotation before being traded, contributed significantly with 11 points and 13 rebounds, playing 30 minutes. The Bulls led at different points, including an eight-point advantage in the second quarter and a narrow one-point lead late in the fourth, but ultimately could not hold off the Knicks’ late surge.
Key Performances Highlight Knicks’ Offensive Push
Towns finished with a team-high 29 points and 11 rebounds, hitting five of his nine three-point attempts. Jalen Brunson also had a strong showing with 19 points and nine assists, while Landry Shamet provided a valuable boost off the bench by adding 16 points. Mikal Bridges’ crucial corner three-pointer with 26 seconds remaining, set up by Brunson, extended the Knicks’ lead to six points, effectively sealing the game.
Physical and Mental Fatigue Challenge Knicks After Back-to-Back Games
The Knicks faced additional challenges after playing an intense game against the Houston Rockets just the night before, followed by an overnight flight across time zones to Chicago. Fatigue may have affected their performance early on, but Towns’ aggressive approach in the second half demonstrated his ability to rise above exhaustion and deliver when it mattered most.
Mixed Signals on Towns’ Role and Future with Knicks
Towns’ strong finish contrasts with a season marked by his frustration over the current coaching system under Mike Brown. Brown maintained before the game that Towns’ offensive role has remained largely consistent. He pointed out,
“We don’t call a ton of plays. Now you compare his numbers to last year, [backup center Mitchell Robinson] didn’t play in the regular season. KAT averaged 36, 37 minutes a game. Mitch is playing now. Landry [Shamet] didn’t play last year. He’s playing. We’re trying to get him up to 17 to 22, 23 minutes a game. We’ve got Jose [Alvarado] now.”
“So when you do that guys’ minutes are going to go down. Not only are guys minutes going to go down, but guys field goal attempts are going to go down and all the things that you see impact the game statistically.”
Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks
Knicks Seek Consistency Amid Challenging Season
While Towns’ late-game dominance helped the Knicks avoid a disappointing collapse, the team still faces ongoing challenges as they navigate a competitive NBA season. The victory in Chicago adds a positive note, but New York must build on this momentum and address internal issues to sustain success moving forward.
The Bulls, on the other hand, continue to focus on rebuilding after multiple trades and key injuries have left them struggling to compete. Their ninth consecutive loss represents their worst slump since 2019 and signals a need for significant changes as the season progresses.
