The New York Knicks poured in 135 points and tied a franchise record for most points in a first half, crushing the Chicago Bulls 105-135 at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, Sportsnet.ca reported. Jalen Brunson needed only 28 minutes to score 33 points, leading a New York attack that left Chicago down by as much as 44.
The damage came early. Brunson scored 22 points in the opening quarter on 8-of-10 shooting, including three triples, the third coming with 2:11 left in the frame over 6-foot-11 Bulls forward Noa Essengue, Sports Illustrated reported. New York pushed the tempo in transition and attacked the rim, turning the game into a rout before halftime.
Brunson Outscores Chicago’s Offense
Brunson carried over his hot hand from the teams’ last meeting, when he closed the fourth quarter with 14 points to ice the Bulls. On Wednesday he feasted on Chicago’s defense from the opening tip, finishing with 33 points in just 28 minutes of action, according to Sports Illustrated.
84 POINTS IN THE FIRST HALF. THAT TIES A KNICKS FRANCHISE RECORD.
Bulls Can’t Buy a Bucket
Chicago ended the night shooting 38.5 percent from the field with 10 made threes, repeatedly facing a set Knicks defense and unable to generate easy looks in transition, Sports Illustrated reported. The Knicks shot 50.7 percent from the floor and cruised behind a 30-for-37 night at the free-throw line.
The Bulls went 13 players deep in the first half alone, giving Patrick Williams his first minutes of the season and playing two-way guard Jaylin Sellers, Sports Illustrated noted. Chicago is now 1-7 and faces the Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs in its next two games after a rare three-day break.
What Comes Next for Chicago
The Bulls get three days off before returning Sunday afternoon — time to review film and work on the practice court, Sports Illustrated reported. The break arrives with the team still searching for answers, having been outscored by 30 points at home.
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And sets a Knicks record for 1st half points at MSG https://t.co/6qawVXKO6q
Jalen Brunson dropped 33 POINTS in 3 QUARTERS. 🗽 10-17 FGM 🗽 5-10 3PM 🗽 28 MIN 🗽 KNICKS W pic.twitter.com/j3fTt03X6c
JALEN BRUNSON HAS 22 IN THE 1Q ‼️ 8-10 FGM I 4-5 3PM pic.twitter.com/jW1dI7K0UC
Knicks 135, Bulls 105 Jones 14 pts, 4 assists Sellers 14 pts, 4-7 3PT Buzelis 12 pts, 5 Rebs Powell 12 pts, 3-12 FGs Wilson 5 pts, 2-12 FGs; 1-7 3PT All 15 Bulls scored for first time in franchise history Brunson 33 pts in 28 minutes
And the Knicks beat the Bulls again 135-105 – All about Brunson. Set the tone early. 33 points, 5 threes. – Another double for Towns. Eight consecutive. – OG stayed busy at the FT line. 11 for 12. – Bridges looked ok today. Really liked his facilitation with 4 ast. -…
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