Lauri Markkanen scores 30, lifts Bulls past Knicks (Chicago, IL) – Lauri Markkanen scored 30 points and grabbed five rebounds to help lead the Bulls past the New York Knicks Monday night at the United Center 110-102. After a heartbreaking loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night at the hands of a Damian Lillard buzzer beater, Chicago found a way to get the win in a close one tonight.

Thankfully, the Bulls got off to another good start putting up thirty two points in the opening quarter. They led 59-55 at the half. Julius Randle had a big first half for New York with 18 first half points. Markkanen also had a big half as he led Chicago with 23 points.

Second Half

The Bulls continued their solid play in the third quarter with ball movement and knocking down quality shots. Early in the quarter Coby White found Daniel Gafford rolling to the basket for a big dunk prompting an early timeout from Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls went up by nine with just under ten minutes to play in the third quarter. The Knicks would respond after being down by as many as eleven. They cut the lead to three to close the third period.

Bulls Hold Off Knicks In 4th

Zach LaVine nailed a mid-range jumper from 18 feet to put Chicago up three points with under two minutes to play in the game. Knicks guard Alex Burks followed with a three from the right corner to tie the game at a hundred. Coby White answered with a three of his own from the corner to put the Bulls up three. Knicks forward Julius Randle turned it over on the next possession which led to a deep three by LaVine. This put Chicago up six and ultimately sealed the the game.

All Chicago Starters scored in double figures

All five Bulls starters scored in double figures led by Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine. Zach scored 17 of his 21 in the second half. Thaddeus Young flirted with a triple double again with 13 points 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

New York was led by Julius Randle who scored 23 points and Alec Burks added 18 off the bench.