Power Forward Julius Randle racked up 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists as the New York Knicks (19-15) once again caused a tragic loss for The Bulls (15-21) 116-100.
The Bulls came into this game having lost their last game after being dismantled in the first quarter and finishing to lose the game vs the Philadelphia 76ers 110-97. Shooting Forward DeMar DeRozan has so far this season always been the only positive light for the team as he got himself 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. The New York Knicks came into this game losing the last game of the year against the Pacers but starting out this new year with a great win against the Timberwolves 112-105 at home, so they came into this game with confidence and fightback and that hunger got them the win.
The last time these teams faced the Bulls won 118-117 away from home to the New York Knicks and this time their luck didn’t change as they lost again. To make matters worse their inconsistent run of form and wins coming shorter in numbers have caused them to drop to 10th below the spots for the play-in tournament.
Chicago Bulls Lose! The Bulls struggled but had the lead in the first half
As is per usual, very common for the Bulls, they started the first half struggling losing after the first quarter by a slim score of 26-24 in favor of the Knicks. However, in the second quarter, the Bulls turned it around as they led the second quarter 31-25 and at the half this time with a narrow lead of 55-51. Center DeRozan was once again the star man with 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. While Point Guard Jalen Brunson was knocking on the door for the Knicks with 18 points and 5 assists. But, Point Forward Randle’s final 50 seconds of the half two point shot assisted by Shooting Guard Donte DiVincenzo seemed to be a prelude for another tragic loss for the Bulls.
The Bulls squandered their lead and tragically lost
The second half proved to be truly one to forget as the Bulls squandered what small lead they had and hope for a win as they were once again dismantled offensively in both quarters and couldn’t respond. The third quarter ended with the Bulls once again in a deficit losing 35-23 and currently in the overall score 86-78. The Bulls led in the beginning of the third quarter but once the clock hit the 9:07 mark with Center Isaiah Hartenstein making a crazy 25-foot three point jumper assisted by Shooting Guard DiVincenzo the game slowly went away for the Bulls. The fourth quarter ended with the Knicks again in the lead 30-22 and overall winning the game with a final score of 116-100.
What’s Next?
The Bulls will look to get out of this rut of bad results as they play this time away from home to the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday, January 5th at 8 pm central.
The Knicks will look to continue their good form and keep their current two-game undefeated streak alive as they host the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Friday, January 5th at 7:30 pm central.
