Knicks at Bulls
THE STORY: The New York Knicks are coming off an impressive victory
over the Chicago Bulls and can bolster their playoff aspirations when
they visit Chicago on Tuesday. New York posted a 100-99 overtime victory
over the Bulls on Sunday behind Carmelo Anthony’s 43 points. The Knicks
are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers for the final two Eastern
Conference playoff spots with the Milwaukee Bucks in close pursuit.
Chicago has lost three of four despite having the league’s top record.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, MSG (New York), WGN (Chicago), ESPN3.com
ABOUT THE KNICKS (29-27):
New York is 11-3 since Mike Woodson replaced Mike D’Antoni as coach and
Anthony is thriving after drawing a lot of criticism when the team
slumped right before D’Antoni’s resignation. The 43 points against
Chicago were his most since joining the Knicks 14 months ago and he also
has rung up outputs of 39 and 36 in the last five games. The offense is
revolving around Anthony with forward Amar’e Stoudemire (back) and
guard Jeremy Lin (knee) sidelined. The 40-point outing was the 20th of
his career. Anthony is averaging 30.0 points in three games against
Chicago this season.
ABOUT THE BULLS (43-14): Point guard Derrick Rose (groin) returned
to the lineup after a 12-game absence but struggled with his shot and
decision-making in the loss to the Knicks. Rose scored 29 points but
was 8 of 26 from the field and committed a season-high eight turnovers.
The reigning MVP also missed two free throws late in the game with
Chicago nursing a three-point lead. A positive was that Rose played
nearly 39 minutes. “It felt good,” Rose said afterward. “When I was out
there, I was just getting my groove back. My wind was OK. It just felt
good to be out there.” Rose is averaging 31.0 points against the Knicks
this season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Chicago won the first two meetings this season before Sunday.
2. Bulls forward Carlos Boozer had 16 rebounds against the Knicks for his fifth straight double-digit game on the boards.
3.
The Knicks finish a two-game road swing at Milwaukee on Wednesday in a
crucial contest with both teams vying for a playoff berth.