On January 4, 2025, the Chicago Bulls triumphed over the New York Knicks with a 139-126 victory at the United Center. The game was marked by a special tribute to Derrick Rose, with both teams wearing D-Rose-inspired t-shirts, and the Bulls announcing plans to retire his iconic No. 1 jersey next season.
Key Performances:
• Chicago Bulls:
• Coby White: Delivered a stellar performance, scoring 33 points, including an impressive 9-for-11 from beyond the arc.
• Zach LaVine: Matched White’s output with 33 points, showcasing his scoring versatility.
• New York Knicks:
• Karl-Anthony Towns: Led all scorers with 44 points and secured 16 rebounds, dominating the paint and perimeter. Unfortunately, he exited the game in the fourth quarter due to a knee injury.
• Jalen Brunson: Contributed significantly with 33 points and eight assists, demonstrating leadership on the court.
Game Highlights:
The Knicks started strong, leading 72-63 at halftime. However, the Bulls mounted a formidable comeback in the second half, outscoring the Knicks 76-54. Coby White’s exceptional three-point shooting was pivotal, as he alone made more three-pointers (9) than the entire Knicks team combined (8).
Quotes:
• Coby White on his performance: “I felt in the zone tonight. My teammates found me in good spots, and I just let it fly.”
• Karl-Anthony Towns on the Knicks’ effort: “We fought hard, but we need to tighten up on defense and execute better down the stretch.”
Team Statistics:
• Chicago Bulls:
• Field Goal Percentage: 54%
• Three-Point Percentage: 54%
• Free Throw Percentage: 94%
• Turnovers: 12
• New York Knicks:
• Field Goal Percentage: 50%
• Three-Point Percentage: 27%
• Free Throw Percentage: 79%
• Turnovers: 13
This game not only highlighted the Bulls’ resilience and shooting prowess but also served as a heartfelt homage to Derrick Rose’s enduring legacy in Chicago.