The Knicks trailed Chicago by 19 in the third quarter and won 133-127 on the second night of a back-to-back. Brunson scored 38, the reserves scored 48, and Mikal Bridges watched the finish from the bench.
Down 19, Up Six
Chicago ripped off 11 straight in the third to go up 87-68. New York answered with an 11-0 burst of its own, then poured 43 points into the fourth, its best quarter by nine. Brunson took 14 of those and finished with 38, hitting 6 of 10 threes. Clarkson added 12 in the period. With three seconds left, Anunoby grabbed Norman Powell's missed three, got fouled and sank both shots to close the scoring. The night had 18 lead changes and 14 ties, and the Knicks played it with no rest.
The Bench Delivered
Clarkson scored 18 in 17 minutes and was +15. Kolek dished nine assists and made 3 of 4 threes. Shamet hit four threes a day after a right ankle listing that was quickly cleared. Towns, cleared after a left wrist listing, put up 19 with 13 boards.
The Bridges Problem
Bridges logged 13 minutes and finished -5. The New York Post's Stefan Bondy reported that he was benched as the reserves took over. Bondy also reported that Mo Diawara's place in the rotation is not what Mike Brown envisioned. Bridges makes $33.5M. He was not on the floor when the game was decided.
Philly on Friday
Next up is Friday at the 76ers on Prime Video, an Emirates NBA Cup game. Philadelphia beat the Knicks 106-100 on opening night. Alvarado's estimated return date is Friday. New York is the No. 10 seed at 2-3, one game behind sixth-place Charlotte.
Bottom Line
Two wins don't erase an 0-3 start, but they change the mood. Brown now has to decide whether Bridges gets his minutes back in Philadelphia or the bench that won in Chicago keeps them.
When do the Knicks play next?
Friday, October 30, at Philadelphia on Prime Video. It is an Emirates NBA Cup game.
How did the Knicks come back against the Bulls?
They erased a 19-point deficit with an 11-0 run in the third and a 43-point fourth quarter. Brunson scored 38 and the bench added 48.
