The New York Knicks just did something they have never done before in the current arena. They poured in 84 points in the first half to tie a franchise record set back in 1988. This team entered the game averaging only 51.6 points in the first half, which was the third-worst mark in the entire NBA. Now they have flipped that script in the most dramatic fashion possible on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Bulls have lost seven of their first eight games and have dropped six straight. They held early leads before Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby sparked an 8-0 run to take control for good. The Knicks never looked back after that. They led by 32 at the break, a number that feels almost impossible given how slow this offense used to move.
The Turnaround Starts on Defense
According to KNBR, he netted 22 of his 33 total points just during the opening quarter. With 5:37 remaining in the first period, his three-point shot secured a double-digit lead for New York permanently. The team shot 62.5 percent from the field during that first half, a massive jump from their season average. They also made half of their three-point attempts, showing a level of shooting efficiency that has been missing for weeks.
Coach Mike Brown saw the change happen right before his eyes. “I really liked how we started out,” coach Mike Brown said. The team took a staggering 26 free throws in the first half, according to Yahoo Sports. That aggression on the glass and at the line created the rhythm they needed.
Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 12 rebounds and 17 points, while OG Anunoby contributed 18 first-half points. With 2:52 remaining in the half, Towns sank all three free throws to build a 73-41 advantage, securing a lead of more than 30 points for New York that would not be relinquished. Brunson noted the shift in their mindset. “Obviously, making 3s, but I think making our two-pointers are really important as well,” Brunson said. “It feels good. Just trying to play off that and use your gravity to make plays.”
Bench Depth and Final Stats
The starters did not even need to return for the final quarter. New York dominated the game so completely that the bench unit sealed the victory. Off the bench for New York, Jordan Clarkson and Dalton Knecht each contributed 10 points. The Bulls tried to keep pace, with reserves Tre Jones and Jaylin Sellers scoring 14 points each, but the damage was already done. While Chicago scored 127 points against the Knicks on October 28, they managed only 105 in this game.
New York shot 50.6 percent from the floor and 42.5 percent from 3-point range for the full game.
They have lost the past six in a row and need a spark. The Knicks scored in bunches. The 84 points marked the highest total the Knicks have ever achieved in a single half at the current Madison Square Garden, Yahoo Sports reports.
