New York Knicks (38-21) beat Chicago Bulls (24-34) 105-99 on the road on Sunday, February 22 in a low-scoring game: just 204 combined points between the two teams.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Bulls had the better start, winning the first 27-25 to lead by 2 after one. The Knicks cut into the deficit with a 27-26 second quarter, though the Bulls still led by 1 at halftime.
The Knicks won the third 31-25 to turn the game around, taking a 5-point lead into the fourth. The Knicks took the fourth 22-21; the Knicks finished the job for a 105-99 regulation win.
What decided it
The Knicks took better care of the ball, turning it over on 13.5% of possessions compared with 17.1% for the Bulls. The Knicks got more from their shots, finishing at 54.2% effective field-goal shooting compared with 48.8% for the Bulls. Those extra possessions were crucial.
At roughly 98 possessions per team, the Knicks produced 107.4 points per 100 possessions to 101.3 for the Bulls.
The Bulls' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 43-27.
Who made the difference
Karl-Anthony Towns was the game's biggest individual force for NYK: 28 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl on 10-17 shooting. His Game Score of 24.4 led everyone. His team was +13 with him on the floor.
Patrick Williams led the Bulls with 10 pts, 1 reb, 8 ast on 3-8 shooting, good for a 11.2 Game Score.
Guerschon Yabusele (11 pts, 13 reb, 1 ast) and Karl-Anthony Towns (28 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast) each recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Knicks about a 68% chance.
Across the last 5 meetings in our records, Chicago Bulls lead 3-2.
The Knicks are now 38-21, and the Bulls are 24-34. The Knicks last five before this game: W-L-W-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.