NEW YORK — In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday night, Zach LaVine emerged as a standout performer, scoring 31 points for the Chicago Bulls, while Colby White contributed 22 points, including the decisive free throws with only three seconds left on the clock. The Bulls managed to narrowly edge out the New York Knicks, finishing the game with a score of 124-123.
The Bulls seemed to be in control for much of the game, holding a significant 22-point lead during the third quarter. However, the Knicks fought back impressively and took the lead 123-121 after a clutch shot by Jalen Brunson with just four seconds remaining.
In a pivotal moment, White was fouled by Josh Hart while attempting a three-pointer on the following possession and converted all three free throws, swinging the momentum back to Chicago. The Knicks had one last chance to win, but Brunson’s attempt at the buzzer skimmed off the rim, sealing the victory for the Bulls.
Karl-Anthony Towns was a powerhouse for the Knicks, registering a remarkable 46 points and securing 10 rebounds. Brunson finished with an impressive 24 points, while Mikal Bridges added 20. For the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic also had a notable performance, contributing 19 points along with 11 rebounds.
In terms of team updates, the Bulls have had a challenging season with Lonzo Ball sidelined due to a sprained right wrist, missing eight consecutive games. He also missed both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons due to knee injuries. Despite being labeled “probable” due to a strained right adductor, LaVine was included in the starting lineup for this game.
On the Knicks’ side, the team was playing their first back-to-back games of the season after a victory against Philadelphia on Tuesday. They have kept the same starting five for all 11 games this season, with each player regularly scoring in double digits. Head coach Tom Thibodeau, who previously coached the Bulls for five seasons, is in his fifth year with the Knicks and boasts a 9-6 record against Chicago as their head coach.
A crucial turning point in the game was when the Knicks, trailing by 22 points at 90-68, ignited a remarkable 17-0 run to end the third quarter, allowing them to stay competitive and put pressure on the Bulls.
Statistically, the Knicks improved significantly in their shooting performance, moving from 41.3% (19 of 46) in the first half to a much more efficient 60.4% (29 of 48) in the second half, which helped them claw back from a double-digit deficit.
Looking ahead, the Bulls will travel to Cleveland for their next game, while the Knicks will host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.