Knicks Crush Bulls 135-105 Behind Brunson's 33 Points

The New York Knicks overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls 135-105 on Wednesday night in New York, extending their winning run to four victories in five games after an 0-3 season start. Jalen Brunson led the home team with 33 points, while Chicago suffered its sixth consecutive defeat.

OG Anunoby contributed 18 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks controlled the contest from the opening quarter and never surrendered their lead after overcoming an early 6-4 deficit with an 8-0 scoring run.

Brunson delivered 22 points in the first quarter alone, converting 8 of 10 field-goal attempts and making four of five shots from three-point range. His performance helped New York establish a commanding 43-21 advantage after the opening 12 minutes.

The Knicks continued their offensive surge in the second quarter, outscoring Chicago 41-31. According to the game statistics, New York became the first team in franchise history to score at least 40 points in each of the first two quarters of a game.

New York entered halftime ahead 84-52, matching its franchise record for the most points scored in an opening half. The previous record came on Nov. 18, 1988, when the Knicks reached the same total during a 137-135 loss to Philadelphia.

The margin widened further in the third quarter. Miles McBride completed a four-point play with 3:23 remaining in the period, pushing the Knicks' advantage to 111-67, their largest lead of the night at 44 points.

Chicago managed to reduce the deficit to 30 points but never threatened to change the outcome. Dalton Knecht scored 10 points in his Knicks debut, while Jordan Clarkson also finished with 10.

Tre Jones led the Bulls with 14 points. Matas Buzelis and Norman Powell added 12 points apiece, Jaylin Sellers contributed 11, and Josh Giddey finished with 10 points.

The team statistics highlighted New York's dominance. The Knicks shot 50.6% from the field, making 44 of 87 attempts, compared with Chicago's 38.5% on 37 of 96 attempts.

New York also converted 17 of 40 three-point attempts for 42.5%, while Chicago made just 10 of 44 attempts for 22.7%. The Knicks additionally controlled the rebounds 70-47 and recorded 27 assists against Chicago's 25.

The defeat continued a troubling defensive trend for Chicago, whose opponents have all scored at least 124 points this season. The Knicks had also defeated the Bulls 133-127 on Oct. 28.

The Bulls are scheduled to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. New York will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.