NEW YORK, NY — Mike Brown and his new team finally found their rhythm as the New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 128–116 Sunday night in front of a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden. After a rocky road trip that raised questions about the team’s chemistry, New York snapped its three-game losing streak—finally delivering the complete 48-minute performance their new head coach has been asking for. Sunday’s win showcased the Knicks’ balanced offense, improved spacing, and a level of resilience that had been absent during their road stretch.
Behind Jalen Brunson’s leadership and Karl-Anthony Towns dominance on the glass, the Knicks reminded the league what their retooled lineup can do when everything is clicking.
Brunson led the way with his fourth 30-point performance of the young season, scoring a game-high 31 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists also surpassing 9,000 career points. His early-season success has cemented him as a top-10 offensive player in the league. Though the Knicks have played just six games, Brunson’s 31.2 points per game and 8.0 three-point attempts per game are both career highs.
In the Knicks’ 128-116 win over Chicago at MSG, Jalen Brunson, recording his 9,000th career point, compiled 31 points on the night with five rebounds and three assists – Image Credit: NBA
Known for his elite footwork and iso scoring, Brunson went 4-for-11 from three-point range, converting on several catch-and-shoot opportunities. If he continues to elevate his perimeter shooting particularly off catch-and-shoot opportunities both his game and the Knicks offense could reach another level. New York also managed to win the non-Brunson minutes, finishing +7 when he was off the floor which has been an issue for the team early on.
After the game, Brunson was asked about Brown taking the blame for Friday night’s loss.
“Mike’s going to make the decisions, and no matter what he does, we’re going to have his back,” he said.
Now in his fourth season with the Knicks, Brunson understands the microscope of the New York market and the pressure that comes with it. As team captain, he knows the Knicks’ success depends on him setting the tone and his 19-point first quarter did just that.
Towns’ slow start has been an overwhelming topic of discussion this season, but Sunday, the Dominican-American reminded everyone just how special his skill set is for a seven-footer. The 29-year-old big man notched his fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 20 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists on 5-of-11 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three and 8-for-8 from the line.
Defensively, Towns still had some miscues getting beat on pick-and-rolls and missing a few switch assignments but his rebounding presence and offensive versatility were key to the win. A positive takeaway for Towns in 36 minutes, he committed just one personal foul.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” he said postgame a statement that applies to both himself and the team.
During the game, Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that Josh Hart will delay surgery on his injured right hand until after the season. The injury, nerve-related, affects the fourth finger on his shooting hand, causing numbness that extends to his middle and pinky fingers in both basketball activities and daily tasks.
Hart originally suffered the injury in May and underwent surgery after last season, re-aggravating it during training camp. Doctors advised he could postpone another procedure without long-term risk.
“It’ll probably be a process until I get full feeling back,” Hart said. “The hand will be what it is. I’m working on shooting all the time. That’ll come along. I’m not getting surgery.”
Offensively, Hart has struggled to find his rhythm this season, but his hustle remains a staple of his game. In 26 minutes off the bench, he tallied 14 points, nine rebounds (six offensive), and endless energy—the “Josh Hart specialty.” His effort on the glass helped generate crucial second-chance points for New York.
Mike Brown’s emphasis on pushing the pace appears to be unlocking the Knicks’ offensive potential particularly for Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby.
Anunoby delivered 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, while providing trademark perimeter defense that earned him “Defensive Player of the Game” honors from Brown.
Bridges contributed just 10 points, but his nine assists highlighted his growing playmaking ability and understanding of Brown’s system.
“Mikal’s been in the gym with the young guys all summer,” Brown said. “He’s ahead of the curve, and I thought I did a better job tonight sticking with a rotation that gave us flow.”
The Knicks’ 46 bench points were led by Jordan Clarkson, who scored 15 points in 18 minutes, resulting in his best outing this season. Clarkson, the former Sixth Man of the Year, has been adjusting to a reduced role but found his groove alongside Hart to anchor the second unit.
Brown, still experimenting with rotations, acknowledged his responsibility in helping the team find rhythm:
“I have to do a better job, and I thought I did tonight, of trying to have a rotation and stick with it while still playing nine or ten guys. This is going to be a process. We’re still not where we need to be offensively, but guys are starting to understand how to space the floor.”
Center Mitchell Robinson briefly left the game after appearing to injure his right ankle, but returned after a short trip to the locker room. Robinson, playing in just his second game of the season after a previous injury, logged 13 minutes, down from 20 in Friday’s contest. No further update was provided postgame.
Sunday’s win pushes New York to 3–3 on the season not the record they hoped for, but a respectable mark given the adjustment period under a new coach, new system, and restructured bench.
The Knicks return to action Monday night at home to face the Wizards. In a back-to-back game, expect Robinson to rest as the team continues managing his workload.
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