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Professional basketball

Bulls Stay Undefeated with Thrilling 135-125 Win Over Knicks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Chicago Bulls continued their unbeaten streak, defeating the New York Knicks 135-125 on Friday night. Josh Giddey's career-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists were instrumental in the Bulls' victory, while Nikola Vucevic added 26 points. Ayo Dosunmu's 22 points and nine assists off the bench were also crucial in the Bulls' success. The win marked Billy Donovan's 200th coaching victory with the team.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chicago Bulls improved to 5-0, their best start since the 1996-97 season when they opened 12-0 and went on to win the NBA Championship.
  • Bulls' guard Josh Giddey scored a career-high 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out nine assists in the win.
  • Nikola Vucevic added 26 points to the Bulls' efforts, while Ayo Dosunmu came off the bench to score 22 points with nine assists.
  • The Knicks' Jalen Brunson scored 29 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 26 to New York's second-half comeback attempt.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns played through a right quad strain, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, despite landing hard on his hip in the third quarter.
  • Mikal Bridges scored 23 points in the NBA Cup group play opener for both teams, which was played on Friday night.
  • Both teams heavily relied on 3-pointers, with the Bulls hitting 17 of 37 and the Knicks converting 18 of 45.
  • The Bulls outshot the Knicks overall from the floor, 53.6% to 49.5%, and opened a 72-53 lead at the half.
  • Billy Donovan earned his 200th coaching victory with the Bulls in this game.
  • The two teams will meet again on Sunday in New York.

Statistics:

  • Bulls' winning margin: 10 points
  • Josh Giddey's points, rebounds, and assists: 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists
  • Nikola Vucevic's points: 26 points
  • Ayo Dosunmu's points and assists: 22 points and 9 assists
  • Knicks' Jalen Brunson's points: 29 points
  • OG Anunoby's points: 26 points
  • Mikal Bridges' points: 23 points
  • 3-pointers made:

+ Bulls: 17 of 37 (45.9%)

+ Knicks: 18 of 45 (40.0%)

  • Field goal percentage:

+ Bulls: 53.6%

+ Knicks: 49.5%

Sources:

  • AP NBA
  • The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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