The New York Knicks delivered a statement performance on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, routing the Chicago Bulls 135-105 at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson powered the defending champions with 38 points and seven assists as the team improved its recent form to 4 wins and 1 loss in its last five outings. The win marks their second straight and avenges a close call against the same opponent just a week prior.
New York's offense was unstoppable from the opening tip. They dropped 84 points in the first half alone and built a lead that ballooned to 44 points. Brunson was the engine, but he had plenty of help. OG Anunoby added 23 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns posted a strong double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. The bench unit, led by Jordan Clarkson's 18 points and Landry Shamet's 14, provided a major spark. This dominant display followed a 103-90 road win over the Brooklyn Nets on November 2.
Chicago, meanwhile, had no answers. They entered the game on a five-game skid and left with their sixth straight loss. To compound their issues, Bulls forward Jalen Smith suffered a left hand injury early in the second quarter and did not return. Smith had been a bright spot, averaging 12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds in Nic Claxton's absence. Claxton, listed as questionable before the game with a hamstring strain, did not make his Bulls debut.
This wasn't just another regular season win. It demonstrated the Knicks' ability to learn and adjust quickly. On October 28, they needed a huge comeback to beat these Bulls 133-127 after trailing by 19 points. A week later, they left no doubt, controlling the game from start to finish. That kind of progression is a positive sign for a team with championship aspirations.
The victory also solidifies their strong start amidst a tough early schedule. After a 102-111 loss to Orlando on October 25, they've responded with authority. Their 4-1 record in the last five games includes wins over Detroit, Chicago twice, and Brooklyn, with the lone blemish a 98-93 road loss to Philadelphia on October 30. The team's depth is being tested and answering the call.
The schedule doesn't let up. New York now turns its attention to a road test against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 7. Maintaining this momentum on the road will be important as they look to stack wins early in the season.
For Chicago, the search for answers continues. The injury to Jalen Smith, though he later told reporters it wasn't serious, is another hurdle. They'll need him and potentially Nic Claxton back soon to stop the bleeding. The Knicks, however, are rolling. With Brunson playing at an elite level and the supporting cast contributing consistently, they look every bit the part of defending champions ready for the next challenge.
