New York Knicks (51-28) beat Chicago Bulls (29-48) 136-96 at home on Friday, April 3. The final margin was 40 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Knicks had the better start, winning the first 38-16 to lead by 22 after one. The Knicks kept the pressure on with a 40-25 second quarter, carrying a 37-point lead into halftime.
The Bulls won the third 31-30 to stay in front, taking a 36-point lead into the fourth. The Knicks took the fourth 28-24; the Knicks finished the job for a 136-96 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Knicks took better care of the ball, turning it over on 8.1% of possessions compared with 16.1% for the Bulls. The Knicks grabbed 32.5% of their own misses, while the Bulls recovered 18%. Those extra possessions were crucial.
At roughly 99 possessions per team, the Knicks produced 137.5 points per 100 possessions to 97.1 for the Bulls.
The Knicks' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 52-37.
Who stood out
OG Anunoby was the game's biggest individual force for NYK: 31 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast on 9-15 shooting. His Game Score of 26.8 led everyone. His team was +32 with him on the floor.
Tre Jones led the Bulls with 13 pts, 3 reb, 8 ast on 4-5 shooting, good for a 15 Game Score.
Mitchell Robinson (17 pts, 11 reb, 0 ast) and Jalen Brunson (17 pts, 1 reb, 10 ast) each recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Knicks about a 91% chance.
Across the last 6 meetings in our records, the series is even.
The Knicks are now 51-28, and the Bulls are 29-48. The Knicks last five before this game: W-L-L-L-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.