The New York Knicks were going for their 14th consecutive win, as they headed to the United Center to take on the Chicago Bulls. Just two weeks prior, the Bulls ended the Miami Heat’s 27-game winning streak, and on Thursday they had the chance to do it again. Both teams played without their key big men, Tyson Chandler and Joakim Noah, so without their key centers both teams played small. Nate Robinson put on a great performance off the bench as he led his team with, a season high 35 points. Jimmy Butler added 22 points, and Luol Deng scored 16 and Chicago came out on top as they snapped another streak in OT, 118-111.
New York came out hot with a 14- 2 lead to start the first quarter, which included three 3pointers. However, the Bulls got back in it, as they continued to reduce the deficit throughout the first half. After the break the game got even more interesting. The Knicks were up by double figures again, and then Jimmy Butler responded with 2 steals and 2 dunks to get his team back in the game. Carmelo Anthony had 36 points for the Knicks, but thanks to the defense by Jimmy Butler, he didn’t reach another 40+ night. The NBA’s top scorer off the bench, JR Smith, finished with 28, Raymond Felton had 19 points and rookie Chris Copeland scored 14. Late in the fourth quarter, the Bulls cooled off and the Knicks rallied to tie the game at 105-105 with 14.5 seconds left. Luol Deng missed a shot 1.5 seconds left for the win, giving New York another chance. Carmelo Anthony also missed the game winner, and the battle continued in overtime. Nate Robinson continued his strong performance, with 8 of the 13 points in overtime, and Chicago maintained the lead for the win.
Chicago became the second team in NBA history to end two 13+ winning streaks in the same season. The last team to achieve this was the 1991 Phoenix Suns. The Bulls lost to the Raptors last night and are now a game behind the Atlanta Hawks in sixth place. Chicago heads to Miami to take on Lebron James and the Heat and they finish the season against the Wizards.
With their streak behind them, the New York Knicks are trying to clinch the number 2 spot, which would give them home court advantage for at least the first 2 rounds. After defeating the Cavaliers last night, the Knicks have a 3-game lead over the third place Indiana Pacers. In order for New York to secure the second seed, they have to beat Indiana tomorrow at home.
-@SarahTresChic15
No comments:
Post a Comment