Knicks upset undefeated Bulls 104-103, move on top of the East

Kemba Walker scored a team high 21 points and shot 5-6 from the three point line as the New York Knicks survived last night in Chicago, stealing a 104-103 win from the undefeated Bulls.

“This is the best I’ve felt in a very long time. My days consist of me taking care of myself. I don’t mean that when I’m in the facility with the trainers. I mean that when I’m home. When I’m in my room, I’m taking care of my knee. That’s like my whole day. There’s a lot of preparation leading up to these games for me.”

– Kemba Walker

Walker, who was 7-12 from the field, kept Lonzo Ball to just 6 points on a 2-8 shooting.

The Knicks controlled the game in the second half and led by as many as 13 points with 3 minutes left on the clock. But then they stumbled and were unable to score at all for the rest of the contest.

Julius Randle had 13 buckets, 16 boards and 9 dimes. He missed a couple of key free throws down the stretch, with just 4.7 seconds on the clock, allowing the Bulls another chance.

The Bulls who were on a 12-0 comeback had the final shot but DeMarr DeRozan’s 15-foot pullup jumpshot missed the rim and the Knicks handed the Bulls their first L of the season.

RJ Barrett scored 20 points and Derrick Rose led the bench with 12 points against his former team. Immanuel Quickley‘s long jumper at the end of the first quarter gave the Knicks’ a 27-25 lead before the start of the second quarter.

“Right now, we’re still getting a feel for each other. Every game we’re getting better and better.”

– Tom Thibodeau

The Bulls were led by Zach Lavine’s 25 points. Nikola Vucevic contributed with 22 points, 8 boards and 6 assists while DeRozan finished with 20 buckets.

The Knicks struggled from the free point line shooting just 75% but outscored the Bulls from the field where they went 45.9% compared to Bulls’ 42.9%. They also protected the rims better with 49 rebounds while Chicago only grabbed 37.

The Knicks now improved to 4-1 (same as the Bulls) and moved on top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Up-next: The Knicks (4-1) will travel to New Orleans and take on the Pelicans (1-4) on Saturday night from 7:00 pm.