The New York Knicks were on a roll on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. They trounced the Chicago Bulls 135-105, and they can credit their dominance to a first half that set them up for the win.
In the first half, they matched their franchise record for most points in a half with 84. They last reached that mark on November 18, 1988, against the Philadelphia 76ers. After the game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown put it into context during a post-game presser, per SNY Knicks.
“It was a really good half in terms of doing what we believe what we should be doing offensively as our staples,” Brown said. “Everyone was really good in those areas”
Meanwhile, the Bulls set a franchise record in the game as all 15 players scored. However, the Knicks came ready to play, especially Jalen Brunson. The NBA Finals MVP finished with 33 points and shot 10-for-17 from the field. Brunson also went 5-for-10 from the 3-point range.
Also, OG Anunoby came away with 18 points and five rebounds. Karl Anthony-Towns finished with 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
The Knicks are now off to a 4-4 start. As the defending champions, they come in with heavy expectations while also dealing with some internal squabbles. However, they banded together and, as expected, steamrolled past a Bulls team that is rebuilding but also needs to come out with a ready-to-play attitude.
On Saturday, New York will head to Cleveland to play the Cavaliers. Then, they will be back at home on Tuesday to face the Milwaukee Bucks.