In a game full of twists and turns, the Chicago Bulls held off a late charge from the New York Knicks to secure a dramatic 124-123 victory on Wednesday night.
Zach LaVine led the charge with 31 points, while Colby White’s clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the win. White finished with 22 points, including the three free throws with three seconds remaining that proved to be the game-winner.
The Bulls seemed in control for most of the game, leading by as many as 22 points in the third quarter, but the Knicks mounted an incredible comeback in the final minutes. With just four seconds left, Jalen Brunson gave New York a brief 123-121 lead with a basket. However, on the ensuing possession, White was fouled by Josh Hart on a 3-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws to give the Bulls a 124-123 lead. Brunson had a chance to win the game on the final possession, but his potential game-winner rimmed out at the buzzer, securing the Bulls’ narrow victory.
LaVine was instrumental in Chicago’s offensive attack, contributing 31 points in addition to his leadership on the floor. His scoring kept the Bulls in control for much of the game, and his ability to step up when needed was a major factor in the win. Nikola Vucevic also had a strong outing, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds, contributing to the Bulls’ overall dominance on the boards.
While the Bulls were able to hold on, the Knicks’ resilience in the second half was undeniable. Karl-Anthony Towns had a career performance, dropping a season-high 46 points while adding 10 rebounds. His offensive explosion was a bright spot for New York, but even his stellar play couldn’t push the Knicks over the top. Brunson chipped in with 24 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 20 points, but the Knicks’ late-game execution ultimately fell short.
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The game had an intense back-and-forth rhythm, particularly in the second half. After struggling in the first half, shooting just 41.3% from the field (19-of-46), the Knicks found their rhythm in the third and fourth quarters. New York shot an impressive 60.4% from the field (29-of-48) in the second half, erasing a double-digit deficit and making a game of it. The Knicks’ 17-0 run to end the third quarter brought them back from a 90-68 deficit and set up a tense final period.
Despite New York’s fiery comeback, the Bulls maintained their poise down the stretch. Chicago’s defense clamped down when it mattered most, and White’s clutch free throw shooting proved to be the difference. With the win, the Bulls improved to a solid record, and they’ll look to build on this momentum as they head to Cleveland for a Friday night matchup.
For the Knicks, it was a heartbreaking loss after their incredible fightback. Towns’ scoring kept the team alive, and the Knicks’ offense showed its potential with five players scoring in double figures. However, despite their second-half surge, turnovers and missed opportunities hurt them in the final moments.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Knicks are adjusting to their first back-to-back of the season, having defeated the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. New York has maintained consistency with the same starting five for all 11 games this season, and their depth has been a strength, with each of their starters contributing offensively. However, the late-game execution against Chicago was a reminder of how important closing out games can be.
For the Bulls, the win was a much-needed bounce-back performance after their recent struggles. With Lonzo Ball still sidelined with a sprained wrist and LaVine listed as “probable” for the game due to a strained adductor, the win came with some uncertainty, but Chicago showed its resilience. LaVine’s performance was a testament to his health and ability to lead, while White’s composed free-throw shooting added an important dimension to the Bulls’ late-game execution.
Both teams will quickly turn their attention to their next games. The Bulls will head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Friday, while the Knicks will return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on the same night. With both teams fighting for positioning in the Eastern Conference, these upcoming matchups will be crucial for their respective campaigns.
The game on Wednesday was an instant classic, with the Bulls showing their ability to weather a storm and make plays when needed, while the Knicks proved their mettle in a fierce comeback. Despite the loss, New York will take some positives from their second-half play, while the Bulls can celebrate their ability to close out a game in dramatic fashion.
