Knicks Eye Momentum After Big Win Over Bulls
Impatience can build quickly in a city long hungry for another NBA championship, but on Sunday night, the New York Knicks gave their fans something to be excited about. Seeking to build on that momentum, the Knicks will host the Washington Wizards on Monday at Madison Square Garden, wrapping up the second leg of a back-to-back.
The Knicks opened their seven-game homestand with a 128–116 victory over the Chicago Bulls, snapping a three-game losing streak while earning payback after Chicago’s 135–125 win just two nights earlier. It was a statement performance for New York, which delivered its best offensive showing of the season, setting highs in total points and three-point efficiency. The Knicks shot 47.6% from deep, going 20-for-42 — their best long-range performance since March 2024.
Despite the win, the Knicks still rank near the bottom of the league in overall shooting percentage at 42.9%, a noticeable drop from their 48.6% mark last season, which ranked fifth in the NBA. But improved health and depth have offered signs of promise under new head coach Mike Brown, who replaced Tom Thibodeau after the Knicks’ run to the conference finals last year.
Six New York players scored in double figures on Sunday, including reserves Jordan Clarkson (15 points) and Josh Hart (14), both posting season highs. Hart, who was limited earlier by back issues and a nerve problem in his right shooting hand, looked sharp off the bench. Center Mitchell Robinson continued to work his way back from ankle surgeries, seeing limited minutes in his second appearance of the season.
“Hopefully, we can string 48 minutes together, but it’s a process,” Brown said after the win. “But our guys are getting better.”
For the Wizards, the road remains rough. Washington dropped its fourth straight game Saturday, a 125–94 defeat to the Orlando Magic. The team, which has not reached the playoffs since 2021, has been outscored by more than 20 points per game during the skid. Despite early leads against Charlotte and Philadelphia last week, the Wizards have struggled to maintain consistency across all four quarters.
Saturday’s collapse followed a familiar pattern. After leading Orlando 35–32 in the opening quarter, Washington was outscored 43–21 in the second. The Magic went on to shoot 50.7% over the remaining three quarters, cruising to victory.
Head coach Brian Keefe acknowledged the challenge of keeping his young team focused through adversity. “You’re going to have tough moments in a game and tough moments in the season,” Keefe said. “It’s how you respond here going forward.”
The Wizards now face a difficult stretch, heading to Boston to meet the Celtics on Wednesday before returning home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers. For New York, Monday’s matchup represents a chance to sustain its rhythm and extend a homestand that could help solidify its position in the Eastern Conference standings.
