Chicago Bulls Continue their Solid Play in Win over Knicks

SteemSports Presenter:@hogan22

SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets

The Chicago Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, and winners of eight of their previous 10 games entering Wednesday night’s contest at the United Center against the visiting New York Knicks. Yes, these are the same Bulls that started out the year 3-20. The only thing that seemed to look like a feasible goal for the season is landing the best opportunity to earn the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft via the NBA lottery. Enter Nicola Mirotic, back from his eight game suspension and fully recovered from a pseudo, self-inflicted injury after suffering multiple broken bones in his face after an altercation with his teammate, Bobby Portis.

The Knicks got off to a solid start to the game, taking advantage of the Bulls who struggled to find their offense early, the Bulls got off to a sluggish start finishing the first quarter trailing 28-17. The Bulls mounted a minor comeback in the second quarter, outscoring the Knicks 32-24, although the Knicks held a 3-point lead heading into the midway point, 52-49.

Coming out of the locker room, both teams played fairly even with the Bulls gaining a bit of ground, cutting the Knicks lead to two, 73-71. Trailing for the majority of the game, the Bulls looked to finish the game on a high note like so many of their wins during their win streak. Midway through the quarter the Bulls trailed by four when Justin Holiday hit back-to-back three pointers to tie the game at 86.

Fast-forward to the final minute of regulation, Lauri Markkanen broke the tie with a strong drive and dunk to take the lead 88-86. That would be all Chicago would need as the Knicks failed to make a field goal in the final 4:24 to aid yet another Bulls fourth quarter comeback victory over the Knicks, 92-87.

Kris Dunn (17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) led a balanced Bulls attack which had four players in double figures. Among the other Bulls in double digit scoring were Markkanen (12), Robin Lopez (11), and Justin Holiday (11). Kristaps Porzingis led all Knicks in scoring, tallying 23 points along with six rebounds and three blocks. Courtney Lee added 17 points and Courtney Lee chipped in 11 points in the loss.

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