The Knicks played seven of their first 10 games outside of Manhattan, but Wednesday night marked the start of a four-game home showdown against sub-.500 teams that would evenly split their schedule to open the season.
The Knicks erased a 22-point deficit late in the third quarter to take the lead in the frantic final seconds, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion and fall to 5-6 with a 124-123 home loss to the Bulls to conclude their first return match. -at the back of the season.
Coby White was fouled by Josh Hart while attempting a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.0 seconds left in the fourth quarter and sank all three free throws for a one-point Chicago lead .
Jalen Brunson’s turnaround then came to an end as the Knicks failed to build on Tuesday’s win in Philadelphia.
Brunson remained in the lineup after being listed as questionable due to a sprained right ankle, and he finished with 24 points and eight assists in 34 minutes, including the go-ahead drive on the glass with 4.6 remaining.
Karl-Anthony Towns also continued his excellent offensive play with a game-high 46 points and 10 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges added 20 points for the Knicks, who play back-to-back home games against the Nets on Friday and Sunday.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls (5-7) with 31, while White finished with 22 and Nikola Vucevic added 19 points and 11 rebounds.
