The New York Knicks enjoyed a scoring feast at the expense of a truly poor Bulls side.
They equalled a franchise record with 84 points in the first half alone to move to 4-4 at the start of the season.
Mike Brown’s team came out fighting from the opening whistle, with Brunson in particularly sharp form.
The captain stood out with 33 points and 4 assists as they beat Chicago comfortably, 135-105.
“It’s the game where we’ve come closest to maintaining a good level for all 48 minutes,” admitted Mike Brown.
Jalen Brunson dropped 33 POINTS in 3 QUARTERS. 🗽 10-17 FGM 🗽 5-10 3PM 🗽 28 MIN 🗽 KNICKS W https://t.co/j3fTt03X6c
— NBA (@NBA) November 5, 2026
Brunson racked up 22 of his 33 points in the first half alone, shooting 10/17 from the field and 5/10 from three.
The Knicks, for their part, scored 84 points in the first two quarters, shooting 63% from the field and 50% from three.
The contest was practically settled in the second quarter, with the hosts leading by 37 points and using the opportunity to give minutes to their fringe players.
“It was an excellent first half in which we executed our offensive pillars,” said Brown.
“When things go in, the feeling is really good. From there I just tried to take advantage of the momentum and use my ability to draw defenders to get my team-mates involved,” added Brunson.
Dalton Knecht arrives
With Josh Hart out injured (left ankle), his team-mate Landry Shamet started (7 points). As a result, new signing Dalton Knetch got to enjoy his first minutes as a Knickerbocker.
And it has to be said the former Lakers player had a rather positive debut: confident, accurate and good on the boards.
He finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds and two three-pointers in 16 minutes on the court.
“I think I’m a three-level scorer. I think I can get out there and impact the game in three different ways. And at the other end I just want to show that I can pressure the ball and finish off the rebound,” he explained.
Dalton Knecht ballin’ with the Knicks 🔥 https://t.co/oR19W3ZIfM
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 5, 2026
“He’s a scorer. He’s not just a shooter… A lot of people think he’s a simple shooter because he’s white,” said Brown.
Other highlights
Bulls: A total collapse from the visitors, shooting 39% from the field and a dismal 23% from three.
Reserves Tre Jones and Jaylin Sellers were their top performers with 14 points each.
Knicks: Five players scored in double figures.
Anunoby racked up 18 points, 5 rebounds and three steals; Towns added another double-double (17 points and 12 rebounds) and veteran Jordan Clarkson had 10 points in 16 minutes.
(Cover photo: Reuters)
