New York Knicks Find Kristaps Porzingis Early, Defeat Chicago Bulls (Highlights) 2
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) and New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) celebrate during the second half at the United Center. The Knicks won 117-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

With Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah making their return to the United Center, the New York Knicks found Kristaps Porzingis early and defeated the Chicago Bulls.

  • New York Knicks 117 (2-3)
  • Chicago Bulls 104 (3-2)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • United Center, Chicago, Illinois
From opening tip-off, it was obvious was the New York Knicks were doing. Four starters were looking for Kristaps Porzingis, early and often.

Anytime they had young KP open, they hit him. Anytime KP flashed high or cut low, they hit him. It led to a more fluid offense with terrific ball movement fit for an NBA Playoff squad. It was exactly what head coach Jeff Hornacek wanted to see.

Porzingis finished with 27 points on a very hot 10-of-15 from the floor (4-7 from 3-point range). KP also contributed with five rebounds and a dime.

As good as Porzingis was, newcomer Derrick Rose was just as good — while doing it in his return to Chicago. D-Rose put an exclamation point on his 14 point, 11 assist night with a little over a minute to go when he exploded to the rim on a left-side first step to finish an and-one over Jimmy Butler.

The move provided the Knicks a nine-point lead after the Bulls refused to go away.

While Hornacek’s squad did a terrific job in the second half of maintaining distance, for the most part, it was the opening quarter that saw New York build its biggest lead (outscoring the Bulls 32-23 in the frame). The finished the game with 32 assists and just five turnovers.

Carmelo Anthony hit a big 3-pointer late that provided his team with a 10-point lead and put the final nail in the coffin. Melo finished with 25 while adding six rebounds and four assists. 15 of his 25 came in the second-half.

Joakim Noah, who also heard the homecoming boos along with D-Rose, ended with 16 points and nine rebounds.

For Chicago, if not for Dwyane Wade‘s incredible shooting (12-20, 5-7 from 3-point, 35 points), the Knicks would have blown the doors off this one. Even the much-maligned defense showed up (Bulls shot 44.6 percent from the floor.

Next up for the Knicks will be the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.

 
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com