Knicks 133-127 Bulls: Brunson brilliance lifts New York in Chicago shootout

Jalen Brunson scored 38 points and the New York Knicks survived a high-scoring battle with the Chicago Bulls, winning 133-127 at the United Center on October 29, 2026. In a game that featured 260 combined points, 17 lead changes, and little separation until the final five minutes, Brunson’s shot-making and New York’s late execution proved decisive.

The Knicks improved to 4-1 with the road victory, while Chicago fell to 2-3 despite a spirited offensive performance. Both teams shot better than 48% from the field, but New York’s ability to generate clean looks in the clutch separated the sides in the closing stretch.

Match overview

The Bulls opened with energy and led 29-30 after the first quarter, but neither defense could control the game for long. New York built a five-point halftime edge behind Brunson’s mid-range game and Karl-Anthony Towns’ interior scoring, then held off repeated Chicago runs in the third quarter. The final period turned into a possession-by-possession duel before the Knicks pulled away late.

• Q1: Bulls 29, Knicks 30
• Q2: Bulls 31, Knicks 35
• Q3: Bulls 32, Knicks 33
• Q4: Bulls 35, Knicks 35
• Final: Knicks 133, Bulls 127

Key moments

Chicago led 112-109 with 6:40 remaining after Coby White hit a step-back three, but New York answered with a 12-2 run over the next three minutes. Brunson scored 10 of his 38 points in the final five minutes, including a tough floater in the lane and a pull-up three that pushed the lead to six.

The Bulls had one last chance to make it a one-possession game with under a minute left, but Josh Hart drew an offensive foul on a driving Josh Giddey and Brunson iced the game at the free-throw line. Mikal Bridges also came up with a key deflection in the final 30 seconds.

Tactical story

New York won the game inside and at the free-throw line. The Knicks scored 52 points in the paint and attempted 28 free throws, repeatedly attacking Chicago’s drop coverage with Brunson’s dribble penetration. Towns finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Bridges added 22 and OG Anunoby chipped in 19.

Chicago’s offense was productive, but 14 turnovers and a costly dry spell early in the fourth quarter undermined the effort. White led the Bulls with 29 points, Giddey recorded 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Matas Buzelis added 22 off the bench. Nikola Vucevic contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, but Chicago could not get enough stops when it mattered.

Standout performers and season impact

Brunson’s 38-point night was the headline, but the Knicks’ supporting cast made the difference in a game that demanded poise. New York assisted on 27 of its 45 baskets and shot 12-of-30 from three, a solid mark in a fast-paced contest. Chicago shot 17-of-42 from deep but was outscored 24-14 in second-chance points.

The win gives New York momentum in the early Eastern Conference standings and another road result to reinforce its credentials. For Chicago, the loss is a reminder that improved offense must be paired with late-game discipline. The Bulls have shown they can score with quality opponents; the next step is closing those games with cleaner possessions and stronger defensive rebounding.