Winners and Losers: 4 Knicks Standouts Fuel Comeback Against Bulls, While 2 Struggle

Brunson sparks the rally

Jalen Brunson powered the Knicks’ comeback with 38 points, shooting 13-for-25 from the field and 6-for-10 from three-point range. He scored 22 points after halftime, including four three-pointers across the third and fourth quarters.

Brunson made only one of five shots at the rim, but converted 12 of his 20 attempts from other areas. His six threes marked a sharp change from his first four games, when he made four of 20 attempts from beyond the arc. He also had seven assists for the second game in a row.

Kolek helps change momentum

Tyler Kolek, filling in again for injured Jose Alvarado, helped the Knicks regain ground. He made two threes in the third quarter and finished the period plus-seven. In the second half, the Knicks outscored Chicago by 12 during Kolek’s 10 minutes and 45 seconds on the floor. He led New York with six assists in that span and committed no turnovers.

Clarkson and Shamet deliver

Jordan Clarkson supplied a fourth-quarter burst, scoring 12 points on five-for-six shooting, including two threes. He also recorded two steals after scoring six points in his second-quarter stint.

Landry Shamet scored 14 points in 32 minutes and 21 seconds off the bench, making four of seven three-point attempts. He added five assists and two blocks. The Knicks’ plus-minus was higher for Clarkson than for any teammate, while Shamet had the second-highest mark.

Bridges and Anunoby draw scrutiny

Mikal Bridges played 13 minutes and made one of four shots, including a three. He committed two fouls, and New York was outscored by five points during his time on the floor; the Knicks were plus-11 in the other minutes.

OG Anunoby scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds, shooting at a league-average rate. He made five of nine attempts at the rim, but the account questioned the decisions behind many of those drives. It also said the Knicks’ defense was worse with Anunoby on the floor, but the available text ends before giving further detail.