The NBA playoff race is heating up with every passing game, and Tuesday night brought another thriller as the New York Knicks edged the Chicago Bulls in a gritty battle at Madison Square Garden. With the Eastern Conference standings tighter than ever, every win counts, and this one came with major implications.
Game / News Breakdown
The Knicks held on to defeat the Bulls 100-91, in a game defined by intense defense and timely shot-making. After falling behind early, New York used a strong third quarter to regain control, sealing the game with solid execution down the stretch.
Chicago struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 41% from the field and turning the ball over 16 times. The Knicks capitalized, attacking the paint and keeping pressure on the perimeter defensively. This wasn’t the highest-scoring contest, but it was a grind-it-out, playoff-style game that showcased toughness from both teams.
New York improved to 44-30 on the season, keeping them in the thick of the race for a top-four seed in the East. Meanwhile, Chicago dropped to 36-39, clinging to the final Play-In spot as the regular season enters its final two weeks.
Key Players & Performances
The Knicks’ win was fueled by multiple standout performances, but one name continues to rise to the occasion: Jalen Brunson.
- Jalen Brunson: The All-Star guard finished with 29 points and 7 assists, controlling the tempo and delivering clutch buckets in the fourth quarter. His ability to create space and hit big shots was vital in keeping the Bulls at bay.
- Josh Hart: An all-around impact player, Hart posted 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. His hustle plays and defensive energy gave New York a much-needed spark throughout the second half.
- Isaiah Hartenstein: Starting in place of the injured Mitchell Robinson, Hartenstein logged a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. His physical presence inside helped neutralize Chicago’s frontcourt.
For the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan led the charge, dropping 27 points and adding 6 rebounds. But the lack of consistent scoring help around him proved costly.
- DeMar DeRozan: A mid-range maestro as always, DeRozan did his best to carry the offense. However, with Zach LaVine still out with an ankle injury, the load was too heavy for DeRozan alone.
- Coby White: White added 18 points and 4 assists, but efficiency wasn’t on his side. He shot just 6-for-16 from the field.
- Nikola Vucevic: The veteran center struggled, finishing with just 9 points and 8 rebounds while getting outworked on the glass late in the game.
Team Impact & Standings
This win gives New York its third straight victory and keeps them just behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks in the battle for the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in the East. Locking down home-court advantage in the first round is still very much within reach for Tom Thibodeau’s squad.
For Chicago, the loss puts pressure on their final stretch of games. The Bulls remain in the 10th spot but now sit just a game ahead of the Atlanta Hawks, who are closing in fast. With LaVine sidelined and inconsistent bench production, Chicago needs urgent answers if they want to avoid falling out of the Play-In picture entirely.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Knicks have a brutal final slate, including matchups against the Heat, Bucks, and Nuggets. Every opportunity matters as they aim to prove themselves legitimate playoff contenders. Julius Randle is expected to return in limited capacity next week, boosting their depth as the postseason approaches.
The Bulls, on the other hand, face a critical back-to-back against the Hawks and Raptors—two teams also fighting for Play-In positioning. With time running out, every game becomes a must-win for Billy Donovan’s squad.
Conclusion
The Knicks showed resilience and depth yet again in Tuesday’s win, while the Bulls continue searching for form at a pivotal point in the season. As the playoff picture sharpens, nights like these hint at what’s to come—grit, grind, and high-stakes basketball that only the NBA can deliver.