Knicks vs. Bulls: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Grades

The Chicago Bulls improved upon the league's best record with a 104-99 win over the sinking New York Knicks.  

The Bulls improved to 35-9, despite the fact they were at less than full strength. Injuries kept Luol Deng, Richard Hamilton and C.J. Watson out of action. 

Meanwhile, the Knicks were desperately looking for answers, as they were trying to end a five-game losing streak. They entered this game following a loss to the 76ers that saw coach Mike D'Antoni bench star players Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony in the fourth quarter. 

Tweets of the Night

The Knicks were undone by an inability to grab defensive boards. While this is concerning to the typical basketball fan, ESPN's Patrick Muldowney looks at this in a nicer light.

"

You guys can make fun of the Knicks rebounding as much as u want but I think it's really nice of them to let the Bulls try again each time.

— Patrick Muldowney (@patmuldowney) March 13, 2012"

KFC of Barstoolsports.com was worried about the Knicks coming out flat in the second half...again.

"

Another solid 1st half from the Knicks. Lets see if Dantoni does absolutely nothing at half time and the Knicks get smoked in the 3rd.

— KFC (@KFCBarstool) March 13, 2012 "

As it turned out, it was more fourth-quarter woes that doomed the Knicks in this one. 

Jake, a self-professed basketball nerd and obvious Bulls fan, was not at all happy with the officiating in the first half.

"

#Bulls trail only by 2 at halftime despite injuries and some horrendous officiating behind some excellent play by Brian Scalabrine.

— Jake #TeamBulls (@BullsBlog) March 13, 2012"

Seeing as how Scalabrine played just two minutes in the first half, I'm pretty sure we can write off that last comment to sarcasm. 

Must-See Highlight of the Night

The Knicks were able to crack the tough Bulls defense by getting out in the open court. Here is a nice example of them doing just that in the first half. 

Grades for Key Knicks Players

Jeremy Lin: B-

Lin had a decent game, but had no hope of staying in front of Derrick Rose. This led to Rose pouring in bucket after bucket and Lin landing in foul trouble. 

He finished with 15 points, eight assists, three rebounds and three blocks. 

Carmelo Anthony: C+

Anthony disappeared when the Knicks needed him most in this game. He had just one field-goal attempt in the opening 11 minutes of the fourth quarter. He finished with 21 points and eight boards. 

Amar'e Stoudemire: B-

Stoudemire had a fantastic game scoring, but he was nonexistent on the boards and on defense. He finished with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, but he had just three rebounds. 

Grades for Key Bulls Players

Derrick Rose: A

Rose was inefficient, as his shot was off, but he was productive, active and big when his team needed him. He set the tone with athleticism, and he was clearly the best player on the floor.

Rose finished with 32 points on 12-of-29 shooting. He also added seven assists and six rebounds for good measure. 

Carlos Boozer: B-

Given the diminished expectations that every Bulls fan should have with Boozer, he had a solid game. He was active without the ball and managed to get his points, but was a disaster on defense and didn't add much on the boards. 

Boozer had 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting. 

Joakim Noah: B

Noah did a nice job being a presence in the paint. However, he was unable to keep Stoudemire and Chandler from having efficient nights. 

Noah finished with a typical Noah stat line of 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. 

Stat of the Night: 31-28 

That was the score the Bulls beat the Knicks by in the third quarter. While the Bulls gave up at least 30 points in the third quarter for the fourth straight game, fans have to be happy that they were able to hang with their opposition this time. 

Game MVP: Derrick Rose

Rose was fantastic. He did everything the Bulls needed him to do and then some. While he struggled with his shot early, he dialed it in in the second half and showed everyone why he is the league's reigning MVP. 

What's Next? 

The Bulls will stay at home and prepare for an Eastern Conference showdown. They will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday. 

The Knicks will return to the Big Apple and play host to the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday.