The New York Knicks dominated the Chicago Bulls 136-96 Friday at Madison Square Garden, leading by as many as 47 points in a statement win.
OG Anunoby led the charge with 31 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 7-of-10 from three, while Mitchell Robinson added 17 points and 11 rebounds, starting in place of Karl-Anthony Towns, who sat out with a right elbow impingement.
Jalen Brunson contributed 17 points and 10 assists, and the Knicks outscored Chicago 40-25 in the second quarter to build a 78-41 halftime lead. Josh Hart scored seven points with 11 rebounds, and Mikal Bridges added 12 points.
New York opened the game on an 18-0 run, taking advantage of Chicago’s early turnovers and missed shots. Collin Sexton led the Bulls with 19 points, while Matas Buzelis scored 11. Chicago shot just 43% from the field and 31% from three, with nine turnovers.
The win marked the Knicks’ second consecutive victory after a three-game skid and secured their third straight 50-win season, a feat the franchise last accomplished in the early 1990s. The team improved to 50-28, maintaining third place in the Eastern Conference.
New York shot 53% overall and 38% from three-point range, outrebounded the Bulls 54-36, and recorded 30 assists. The Knicks’ balanced attack and defensive pressure overwhelmed Chicago throughout the game.
The Bulls, who have lost six straight and 10 of 12, will host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. New York will travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Monday in a crucial late-season matchup.
