The Knicks finally won, 111-97 over Detroit, after choking the Pistons 37-13 in the third quarter. Tonight they visit a Chicago team with a broken defense, and anything short of a second win wipes out the first one.
Off the Mat
Tuesday's 111-97 win came against a Pistons team ESPN noted had been unbeaten. New York trailed 38-25 after one, then strangled Detroit 37-13 in the third and led by as many as 27. Josh Hart swiped five steals and finished plus-19. Towns posted 27 points and 20 rebounds, along with seven turnovers. Brunson went 5 of 18 from the floor and earned his 23 at the line, 13 of 16.
Bulls Tonight
Chicago is 1-3 and has lost two straight. Nic Claxton is out with a hamstring injury, while Patrick Williams (groin) and Tobe Awaka (ankle) are banged up. Caleb Wilson averages 21.0 points and Norman Powell 19.5 over four games. The Bulls play at a 108.3 pace, and the Knicks sit at 97.8. Whoever sets the tempo owns the night. After tonight it's Philadelphia on Oct. 30 in an NBA Cup game, the Nets on Nov. 2, and Chicago again on Nov. 4.
The Number
Chicago's defensive rating is 120.2 and its net rating is minus-18.3. The Knicks' offense is at 106.1. If this group can't score on that defense, nothing explains it but the Knicks themselves.
Bench and Staff
Jose Alvarado moved up from out with his left ankle injury and is listed to return today. Vincent Goodwill of ESPN reported that assistant coach Chris Jent is stepping away for personal reasons, and the New York Post reported that Jent will miss time. The bench delivered 30 points Tuesday. Landry Shamet hit 3 of 5 from deep, and Andre Drummond went plus-15 in 14 minutes.
Bottom Line
At 1-3 the champs sit 13th in the East, half a game out of 10th, and their current pace works out to 21-61. The open question is whether that third quarter is the new standard or a one-night flare. A win in Chicago turns a slump into a slow start. A loss brings the noise right back.
When do the Knicks play the Bulls?
Tonight, Oct. 28, in Chicago. The teams meet again on Nov. 4 at the Garden.
Is Jose Alvarado playing against the Bulls?
He was upgraded from out with a left ankle injury and is listed to return Oct. 28. A final call on tonight has not been reported.
