Bulls Fall to Defending Champion Knicks Despite Hot Shooting Night

The start of the 2026-27 season has been rough for the Chicago Bulls, who shot an NBA-worst 23.8% from deep through four games. Wednesday's matchup against the New York Knicks provided a glimpse of what the Bulls' offense could look like with competent shooting efficiency.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, the Knicks proved to be every bit the foes that their "defending champion" title warranted. Chicago (1-4) led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, but allowed New York (2-3) to rally for a 132-127 comeback win. The Knicks outscored the Bulls, 43-31, in the fourth.

Jalen Brunson's 38 points, seven assists and 6-of-10 three-point shooting clip led the Knicks, while OG Anunoby had 23 points and six boards.

Norman Powell erupted for a season-high 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three. Caleb Wilson flashed again with 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block while knocking down three of his eight threes. Jalen Smith finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

Amid early-season struggles, Josh Giddey had a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Matas Buzelis posted 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.

The Bulls drilled 18 of their 42 three-point attempts for a season-best 42.9% efficiency. New York, however, made 45.8% (22-of-48) of its shots from long-range.

Chicago jumped out to an early lead with a balanced scoring attack, but didn't have much of an answer for Brunson. The reigning NBA Finals MVP scored 11 points in the opening quarter by using his speed to blow past Bulls defenders. Karl-Anthony Towns made an and-one layup through contact from Smith to give the Knicks a 34-30 lead. Smith quickly got his revenge, though, splashing a three-pointer in the closing seconds of the quarter to make it a one-point game.

The Bulls kept their foot on the gas in the second. Wilson blew past Knicks guard Tyler Kolek for a tough floater, and on the ensuing possession, Buzelis rebounded a missed three-pointer and threw down a putback dunk. The miniature run put Chicago up, 44-41, and forced Knicks coach Mike Brown to call a timeout.

New York battled back to take the lead before the future of Chicago basketball teamed up for an alley-oop. Wilson blocked Jordan Clarkson on one end, then ran down and tossed a lob up to Buzelis, who threw down the dunk to ignite a roaring United Center crowd.

Both teams traded baskets until the Bulls used an 8-1 run to take a six-point lead into the break. With one second to go in the half, Giddey launched an outlet pass to a wide-open Tre Jones near halfcourt. Jones got the shot up before the clock expired and splashed in the long-range triple, giving Chicago a 62-56 lead at the intermission.

The Bulls hit three of their first four three-pointers to start the third quarter as Chicago extended its lead. Wilson, Buzelis and Smith found the bottom of the net from downtown while Powell gashed the Knicks from all regions of the floor. The veteran guard made all four of his shots — including a pair of threes — to score 14 points in the frame.

Chicago's advantage grew as large as 19 points, but the Knicks came roaring back. New York ended the third quarter on a 22-9 run that cut its deficit to just six entering the final quarter.

The Knicks surged ahead to start the fourth, though both teams displayed an incredibly high level of shot-making. Three Bulls turnovers allowed New York to score eight points, which proved costly in a tight game.

Meanwhile, Brunson continued to torch the Bulls' defense. He and Clarkson scored 26 points in the final quarter on a combined 10-of-12 shooting.

Brunson crossed Powell before hitting a three-pointer, then Wilson answered with a shot from the corner. Giddey connected from downtown and Brunson responded by knocking down his sixth three of the game. After Smith's triple made it a three-point game, the Bulls had a chance to tie the game, but Powell couldn't convert on the deep three-pointer.

Chicago will head to Boston on Friday for its second game against the Celtics in five days, looking to get redemption from Monday's 134-99 loss.