The Chicago Bulls' undefeated start came crashing down at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, as a scorching 48% three-point shooting performance by the New York Knicks sent the crowd into raptures. The defeat marked the end of the Bulls' eight-game winning streak and left them trailing only the historic 1996-97 Michael Jordan-led team for the best start in franchise history.
The loss was a stark reminder that even the most dominant teams can fall victim to their opponents' shooting prowess, as the Knicks knocked down 20 three-pointers from beyond the arc. The Bulls had been vulnerable all season, allowing opponents to shoot at a league-low 30.1% from three-point range, and on Sunday, they were torched for nearly twice that rate.
Despite guard Josh Giddey's valiant effort, which included his first triple-double of the season, the Bulls' defense was unable to keep pace with the Knicks' high-powered offense. Giddey put up 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the team's inability to rebound and defend against the Knicks' three-point barrage.
Head coach Billy Donovan attributed the loss to a lack of physicality on the court, saying that the Knicks were more physical and had a presence at the basket that the Bulls didn't. He also pointed out that the Knicks' offense was fueled by their ability to score in transition, which outscored the Bulls 9-7 in the first quarter.
For Donovan, the loss serves as a wake-up call for his team. "We shot it great, so give them credit," he said, but also acknowledged that the Knicks' physicality and ability to get to the free-throw line kept the Bulls from running their offense. "Then I thought they went through us at times... We didn't do the things at the level that we needed to."
Giddey, who has always thrived in New York City, was characteristically focused on his team's next opponent, saying that he and the rest of the Bulls would be looking to address their shortcomings when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. "It's another good team coming in," he said, "so we've got to address what we need to."
The loss was a stark reminder that even the most dominant teams can fall victim to their opponents' shooting prowess, as the Knicks knocked down 20 three-pointers from beyond the arc. The Bulls had been vulnerable all season, allowing opponents to shoot at a league-low 30.1% from three-point range, and on Sunday, they were torched for nearly twice that rate.
Despite guard Josh Giddey's valiant effort, which included his first triple-double of the season, the Bulls' defense was unable to keep pace with the Knicks' high-powered offense. Giddey put up 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the team's inability to rebound and defend against the Knicks' three-point barrage.
Head coach Billy Donovan attributed the loss to a lack of physicality on the court, saying that the Knicks were more physical and had a presence at the basket that the Bulls didn't. He also pointed out that the Knicks' offense was fueled by their ability to score in transition, which outscored the Bulls 9-7 in the first quarter.
For Donovan, the loss serves as a wake-up call for his team. "We shot it great, so give them credit," he said, but also acknowledged that the Knicks' physicality and ability to get to the free-throw line kept the Bulls from running their offense. "Then I thought they went through us at times... We didn't do the things at the level that we needed to."
Giddey, who has always thrived in New York City, was characteristically focused on his team's next opponent, saying that he and the rest of the Bulls would be looking to address their shortcomings when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. "It's another good team coming in," he said, "so we've got to address what we need to."
like 20 three-pointers is crazy! and the Bulls' defense was just MELTDOWN mode 
Josh Giddey tried so hard with his triple-double but it wasn't enough we need to step up our rebounding esp. because Coach Donavan said the Knicks had a presence at the basket that they didn't 
now I'm hyped for Tuesday's game against the 76ers tho! I know the Bulls can bounce back from this and we might just see an 8-game winning streak again 
. Not enough physicality from their end and they got exploited by the Knicks' shooting... guess that 8-game win streak isn't as special as people thought 
they got pwned by knicks' 3pt shooting 
and giddey's valiant effort didnt save them 
coach donovan said it straight - physicality matters, Knicks were just more intense on defense 
now they gotta regroup and host the 76ers on tuesday, wish 'em luck lol 
. anyway, i'm hoping the bulls bounce back from this loss, they've got some big games coming up soon 
! i feel bad for the bulls, they were so on fire at the start of the season but this loss is a humbling reminder that everyone can have an off day. i love how coach donovan is taking responsibility and trying to figure out what went wrong - it's not about blaming one guy or another, it's about making adjustments as a team 
. and giddy's first triple-double of the season? that's some exciting stuff 
! but for sure, those knicks shot like champs from beyond the arc 
, gotta hand it to them. anyway, can't wait to see what the bulls do next against those 76ers... 
! 48% three-point shooting? That's insane! 
They totally outgunned the Bulls and it was like watching a masterclass in basketball. The Bulls were so hyped about their eight-game winning streak, but it's all come crashing down now 
. That's the right attitude for a team looking to bounce back from a tough game. And Coach Donovan, I get what you're saying about the Knicks' physicality 
.
and they'll be looking to bounce back against those 76ers on Tuesday. Bring it on! 
. They got destroyed by the Knicks' 3-point barrage and their lack of physicality is just an excuse for not being able to stop anyone in transition. Billy Donovan's trying to give them a wake-up call now? More like "we're gonna get destroyed again" 
. Can't wait to see how they manage to lose to the 76ers next 
And yeah, the Bulls' defense was basically non-existent on Sunday. I guess you could say they got what was coming to them for being so... efficient all season 
. Billy Donovan's comment about physicality is pretty on point tho - like, if your team can't match up with someone who's just better in every way, it's not exactly a mystery why you lost. 
.
. Mark my words!
20 threes is crazy 
gotta step up their defense 
first triple-double of the season 
️ gonna be a tough one 
The Bulls' defense was just way too vulnerable to that kind of shooting. And honestly, their lack of physicality is no excuse - they should've been able to match up with the Knicks. Billy Donovan saying it was all about the Knicks being more physical and outscoring them in transition... yeah, sure, Coach 
. The Bulls were so vulnerable all season, and it looks like they just didn't have an answer for the Knicks' shooting 
. Maybe this is just a wake-up call for them? 
They need to figure out how to defend against teams that can shoot from anywhere on the court 
. And don't even get me started on these "triple-doubles" everyone's so excited about... 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists? That just means Josh Giddey was in a zone or something 
. i mean they were vulnerable all season, but you never know what's gonna happen on any given night, right? 
. and josh giddey was on fire with those 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, but even he couldn't single-handedly carry the team to victory 
. now it's back to reality for the bulls, they've got another tough game coming up against those 76ers 
. Anyway, on to the next game against Philly, hope they bring their A-game or they'll be hearing from me 