Knicks vs. Bulls: Chicago Wins Third Consecutive Game, Beats Knicks 93-85

The Chicago Bulls closed out their second back-to-back in a five-night span with a win over the New York Knicks. Both teams were short-handed as Carmelo Anthony missed yet another game for the Knicks, and the Bulls were without Kirk Hinrich and Taj Gibson in the second half.

Chicago got off to a fast start thanks to Marco Belinelli, who scored 15 of his 22 points in the first quarter. He has now averaged just over 20 points over his last three games. Luol Deng chipped in with a 22-point night of his own.

After a poor defensive showing the previous night against the Detroit Pistons, the Bulls allowed the Knicks just 85 points on 32-percent shooting.

It was a strong fourth quarter for the Bulls, something they have struggled with this season. They shot 47 percent and were led by Luol Deng's 10 points.

Game Positives

Jimmy Butler had a very good game off the bench, scoring eight points on 3-for-3 shooting and grabbing seven boards. Joakim Noah (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Carlos Boozer (12 points, 10 rebounds) continued their dominance on the glass, leading Chicago to a 47-40 rebounding advantage over New York.

The Bulls shot over 50 percent from the three-point line, and their free-throw shooting was perfect as they made all 18 of their attempts.

Game Criticisms

While it was a solid offensive game for the Bulls, they turned the ball over 19 times this game. 

Taj Gibson was ejected in the second quarter after what seemed like an incidental hit on the head of a Knicks' defender. He left the game with just two points and one rebound. 

The Bulls improved to 11-8 after this win over the conference-leading Knicks.

Chicago will get ready to host the 13-6 Los Angeles Clippers next Tuesday.