Cardiac Bulls Capture Thrilling 124-123 Win Over Knicks

Considering how many times the Bulls have had to rally in the second half to win games this season, one would think they would've needed a 17-0 run to cut into a 22-point lead going into the fourth quarter. The script was different on Wednesday, but it still resulted in a narrow Chicago triumph.

Bulls Set the Tone

The Bulls produced their best first half of the season. Wednesday's contest marked just the third time Chicago has led after the first quarter all season. After turning the ball over 20 times Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bulls made it a point to take care of the ball and stop "overpassing," according to Zach LaVine.

Patrick Williams had a great game from start to finish. Williams scored 11 points in the opening frame and led his team on both sides of the ball with aggressive scoring and on-ball defense.

Nikola Vucevic was only already on pace for a 20-20 game at the end of the first quarter with six points and six rebounds. Rookie Matas Buzelis saw early minutes and logged two blocks. 

The second quarter ended with LaVine on a heater. He scored 14 points and shot 3/3 from beyond the arc in the quarter. LaVine ended the frame scoring nine straight and was responsible for the last 14 of the Bulls' 16 points to end the first half, helping Chicago to a 59-47 lead at the break. 

Knicks' Comeback Activates Cardiac Bulls

The Knicks responded with a third-quarter charge led by Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, which brought out the team we've learned to love or hate, the Cardiac Bulls. While Chicago once touted its largest lead of the season at 22 points, the Knicks finished the third quarter on a 17-0 run to make it a 90-85 game in favor of the visitors.

The Bulls then blew their once-comfortable lead in the fourth quarter. A game-tying dunk followed by a three-pointer that gave Towns 40 points put the Bulls behind for the first time since the eight-minute mark in the first quarter.

Chicago native and Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson tied the game with a nice layup over Patrick Williams.

Zach LaVine and Josh Hart got into a scuffle which led to Hart fouling Coby White, who was shooting a late three. With 3.2 seconds remaining on the clock, White drained all three free throws and Brunson then missed a potential game-winner that went in and out. 

Thoughts and Trends

Zach Lavine finished with 31 points to lead the Bulls' scoring charge. His right adductor injury seems to be clearing up nicely.

Billy Donovan elicited great play from his whole team to secure a thrilling victory.

The Bulls improved to 5-7 overall and 4-3 on the road, a mark that towers over their 1-4 home record so far this season.

What's On Tap Next?

The Bulls' road trip continues Friday when they face the Cavaliers for the second time in five days. Cleveland took care of business Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, so Friday marks another chance for the Bulls to upset the only undefeated team in the league and start 1-0 in NBA Cup play. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. CT and the game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).