In their first home game of the series, the Chicago Bulls extended their winning streak, getting the “W” against the New York Knicks with a 103-109 final score.
After failing to the Trail Blazers last week, the Bulls quickly got their groove back, overcoming the Nuggets in their last road game and on Sunday night – beating the visiting NY Knicks in the home opener. Unlike some of the recent home games, this one was actually quite competitive throughout. The Bulls took a hold of it, however, right from the start, racking up 5 points surplus at the end of the first quarter and adding another point in the second, to go to the locker room with 6 points advantage over the Knicks.
Julius Randle, who ended the night with a double-double 34 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists, and company were having none of it, however. The Knicks came out really strong in the second half, surprising the Bulls and not only erasing the deficit, but led by a couple of points at the end of the third. Luckily for the fans at United Center, the Bulls got back together quickly in the final four, sweeping it by 8 points and winning the game 103 – 109.
For the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan was once again on top of his game, scoring 31 points against the Knicks, with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. With his Sunday night tally, DeRozan has now broken a record held by Michael Jordan – most points for the Bulls in the first 16 games. DeRozan ha snow netted 425, beating out the legend by one point. Zach LaVine contributed with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while Lonzo Ball added 11 points of his own to the Bulls scoreboard, with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
With the win against the Knicks, the Bulls are now tied with the Nets for the top of the Eastern Conference table, both teams with 12-5 record. Chicago should have a good game on Monday against the Pacers, before traveling to Houston to face off with the Rockets on Wednesday. The Bulls are a strong favorite with the sportsbooks against the Pacers, listed at -3.5 against the spread.
