Empire State Review

New York Knicks Dominate Bulls In Historic 135 To 105 Win

Basketball approaching the hoop with a crowd in the background.

Jalen Brunson leads an impressive New York Knicks performance as the team delivers a memorable victory over Chicago at Madison Square Garden.

NEW YORK, November 4, 2026. The crowd at Madison Square Garden witnessed an extraordinary display of offensive basketball Wednesday night as the New York Knicks delivered one of their strongest performances of the young NBA season. Led by an outstanding 33 point performance from Jalen Brunson, New York overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls 135 to 105, tying a franchise scoring record for points in the first half and giving fans fresh reasons for optimism after a difficult start to the season.

The New York Knicks victory marked their fourth win in five games following three consecutive losses to open the season. More importantly, the commanding performance demonstrated how quickly the team could take control of a contest when its leading players found their rhythm. From the opening minutes, New York established an aggressive offensive pace that Chicago struggled to contain. The Knicks combined efficient shooting with strong teamwork, creating a substantial lead that continued to grow throughout the evening.

Brunson Leads The New York Knicks Victory

Jalen Brunson set the tone almost immediately, scoring 22 points in the opening quarter. He converted eight of his first 10 field goal attempts, including four successful shots from beyond the three point line. His explosive start helped New York build a 43 to 21 advantage after just 12 minutes, placing Chicago under considerable pressure before the second quarter began.

The Knicks continued their offensive surge in the second quarter, adding another 41 points before halftime. Their 84 first half points matched a franchise record established on November 18, 1988, against Philadelphia. Brunson finished with 33 points, four assists, and two rebounds in approximately 28 minutes. He made 10 of 17 field goal attempts and five of 10 three point attempts, demonstrating remarkable shooting efficiency while providing leadership throughout the contest.

A Historic First Half At Madison Square Garden

The significance of Wednesday's performance extended beyond the final score. New York's 84 points before halftime represented one of the franchise's most productive opening halves, matching a record that had stood for nearly four decades. The achievement connected the current roster with an important moment in Knicks history and highlighted the team's offensive capabilities.

The Knicks eventually extended their advantage to 44 points during the third quarter. Miles McBride contributed to that commanding lead with a four point play that pushed New York ahead 111 to 67. Chicago struggled to respond as New York maintained control through the final period. For the 19,812 spectators in attendance, the contest offered an impressive demonstration of the team's ability to combine individual talent with coordinated offensive execution.

Strong Supporting Performances Strengthen New York

Although Brunson dominated the headlines, several teammates made meaningful contributions. OG Anunoby scored 18 points and recorded three steals, while Karl Anthony Towns delivered 17 points and 12 rebounds. Towns was particularly efficient, converting all five of his field goal attempts and providing a reliable presence near the basket.

Dalton Knecht also made his Knicks debut, contributing 10 points, while Jordan Clarkson added another 10. These contributions demonstrated that New York could maintain offensive momentum without relying exclusively on Brunson. Chicago, meanwhile, continued to experience defensive difficulties. Tre Jones led the Bulls with 14 points, while Matas Buzelis and Norman Powell contributed 12 each. The defeat extended Chicago's losing streak to six games and underscored the challenges facing the team as it searched for greater consistency.

Why The New York Knicks Victory Matters

For New York basketball fans, the result offered an encouraging indication of the team's ability to recover from early setbacks. After opening the season with three consecutive defeats, the Knicks improved their record to four wins and four losses. The performance demonstrated several strengths, including efficient shooting, multiple scoring contributors, and the ability to establish substantial leads early in games.

However, one convincing victory does not guarantee sustained success. Maintaining consistency against stronger opposition will remain important as the regular season progresses. The Knicks also defeated Chicago 133 to 127 on October 28, making Wednesday's result their second victory over the Bulls within eight days. The larger margin of victory provided another indication of New York's improved execution against a familiar opponent.

What Comes Next For The Knicks

Following Wednesday's victory, New York was scheduled to visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, November 7. Chicago, meanwhile, was scheduled to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, November 8. For the Knicks, the Cleveland matchup represented another opportunity to evaluate whether their improved offensive performance could translate into continued success against competitive opponents.

For supporters throughout New York, Wednesday's performance delivered a memorable evening and renewed confidence in the team's potential. With Brunson leading the offense and several teammates contributing effectively, the Knicks demonstrated the kind of balanced basketball that could help them build momentum during the coming weeks.

The central takeaway is clear: New York has shown it can respond decisively to a difficult start. The next challenge is proving that Wednesday's exceptional performance can become a consistent standard throughout the season.

Empire State Review Contributor

Empire State Review Contributor

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