Josh Giddey erupted for a career-high 32 points to propel the Chicago Bulls to a 135-125 victory over the New York Knicks, extending their undefeated streak to five games and achieving their best start in 29 years.
Giddey was instrumental from the outset, scoring 21 points in the first half and finishing with 10 rebounds and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. His four three-pointers in the first half matched his career high for any half, demonstrating his improved shooting and playmaking abilities since joining the Bulls. This performance underscored his growing confidence and role within the team’s offensive scheme, as he efficiently distributed the ball and capitalized on scoring opportunities.
The Bulls’ collective effort was key to the win, with six players reaching double figures in scoring. Nikola Vucevic added 26 points, while Ayo Dosunmu provided a spark off the bench with 22 points and nine assists. The team’s ball movement was exceptional, resulting in 31 assists on 45 made field goals, highlighting their unselfish play and depth. This balanced attack has been a hallmark of their early-season success, with multiple contributors stepping up in critical moments.
New York fought back valiantly in the second half, with Jalen Brunson scoring 29 points and OG Anunoby contributing 26. The Knicks cut a 22-point deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter, fueled by a 23-9 run in the third quarter and Anunoby’s three-pointer that made it 115-113 with under six minutes left. However, the Bulls responded with crucial baskets from Vucevic and Giddey to regain control and secure the win.
Both teams relied heavily on three-point shooting, with Chicago making 17 of 37 attempts and New York converting 18 of 45. The Bulls’ overall shooting efficiency of 53.6% outpaced the Knicks’ 49.5%, and their defensive efforts in key moments, including limiting second-chance opportunities, sealed the victory. Mitchell Robinson returned to the Knicks’ lineup after an ankle injury, grabbing 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Chicago’s offensive firepower.
This win marks a significant milestone for the Bulls, as their 5-0 start is the franchise’s best since the 1996-97 season, when they began 12-0 and went on to win the NBA Championship. It’s only the third time in team history they have opened a season with five consecutive wins, not seen since the Michael Jordan era. The game was part of the NBA Cup group play, adding extra significance to the matchup and showcasing the Bulls’ early dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Coach Billy Donovan celebrated his 200th win with the Bulls, praising the team’s belief and chemistry. Giddey highlighted the importance of feeling wanted and trusted by the organization, which has boosted his confidence and performance. The team’s strong start has fostered a positive locker room environment, with players emphasizing the long season ahead and the need to maintain focus despite the early success.
Looking ahead, the Bulls face the Knicks again on Sunday in New York, providing an immediate opportunity to build on their momentum. With a challenging schedule ahead, including games against other playoff contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers, the team remains focused on continuous improvement. While the undefeated record is encouraging, players and coaches are aware that sustaining this level of play will require consistency and resilience throughout the season.