The Chicago Bulls collapse into a historic 40-point deficit, surrendering a franchise-record blowout to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Even though the team has loosened up for a late-season tank, the Chicago Bulls still can't secure victories — or even avoid historic embarrassments.
After surrendering 83 first-half points against Indiana in their last game, the Bulls were humiliated Friday night by the New York Knicks in a 136-96 defeat at Madison Square Garden. Chicago collapsed immediately, falling behind by 40 points in the first half as defensive and offensive breakdowns evaporated any semblance of morale. The loss also marked the Bulls’ largest deficit to the Knicks in series history.
Colin Sexton led Chicago with 19 points, including five three-pointers. Tre Jones followed with 13 points and eight assists. Matas Buzelis and Leonard Miller were the only other Bulls posting double-digit scores with 11 and 12 points, respectively.
On the home side, OG Anunoby dominated with 31 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson scored 17 points apiece.
Chicago started the game disastrously, falling behind 20-1 and enduring a seven-minute scoring drought until Sexton's back-to-back three-pointers broke the silence. But the Knicks didn't waver, building their cushion to 20 points while the Bulls struggled to find the net. Before even reaching halftime, New York had dug a considerable hole that Chicago had no hope of filling.
Apr 3, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) looks to drive past New York Knicks guards Josh Hart (3) and Jalen Brunson (11) in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesTrailing by 22 points, the Bulls showed brief life in the second quarter despite former Knick Guerschon Yabusele drilling an open three in his first game facing his former team. But New York cruised with another scoring run, reaching a 30-point advantage at the period's midpoint.
The Bulls wilted completely, trailing by 40 points after Anunoby hit a corner triple with three minutes before halftime. Buzelis, who left briefly for an injury check, returned and sparked with five points. But the hole remained insurmountable as the Knicks dominated 78-41 entering the break.
The 37-point halftime deficit marked the Knicks' largest halftime lead in franchise history and the Bulls' largest halftime deficit on the road in franchise history. Sexton (12 points) was the only Bull reaching double figures in the first half, nailing four of five three-point attempts.
Chicago kept its starting lineup for the third quarter, but stagnation continued under New York's suffocating coverage. Josh Giddey finally scored his first field goal after starting 0-for-8, manoeuvring downhill for a drive. The Knicks restored their 40-point lead as Anunoby remained scorching from deep.
In a career performance, Anunoby closed the third frame with a buzzer-beating triple, tying his career-high seven three-pointers in a single game.
Chicago surrendered in the fourth quarter, letting the deficit swell past 40 points and suffering its sixth consecutive loss with only five games remaining to salvage any dignity.
The Bulls return home Sunday to host the Phoenix Suns at 2:30 p.m. CT.