Knicks Survive Bulls in 2nd Straight Overtime Win

The New York Knicks survived a testy post-All-Star challenge from the Chicago Bulls.

Feb 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (15) battle for a rebound during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The shorthanded New York Knicks ran with the Chicago Bulls and lived to tell the tale.

Missing two starters for the first time this season, the Knicks survived a testy challenge from the reeling Bulls by taking a 113-111 decision in overtime. It was the first post-All-Star break showing for each side and gave the Knicks their 10th win over the last dozen games.

Feb 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives the ball against the Chicago Bullsduring the overtime at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

This is also the first time that the Knicks have partaken in consecutive overtime games since January 2016 and they have won five straight games that feature an extra period, their longest such tally since 2004-05.

Karl-Anthony Towns put up 32 points and 18 rebounds in the win, which also allowed New York (37-18) to avoid a three-game season series sweep at the hands of the Bulls. Jalen Brunson joined him in the ranks of the double-doubles, pairing 22 points with 12 assists. Brunson's last couple proved particularly clutch, as he crossed over Ayo Dosunmu for a key jumper that tied the game in the final minute.

That shot, as well as Mikal Bridges rejection of Nikola Vucevic's would-be winner on the other end, forced the extra session. Despite shooting struggles, Bridges fell five assists short of the triple-double, pairing those helpers with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The last six Towns tallies accounted for the Knicks' final scores, as they scored nine in a row after a Josh Giddey double broke a 104-all tie. Miles McBride, stepping in for Hart in the starting five, had the other three to give the Knicks a long-sought permanent lead.

That completed a redemptive stretch for Towns, who missed all but two of his first 15 tries from the field before going 12-of-15 the rest of the way. For his part, McBride had 23 points, six rebounds, and three assists and steals each, most of his scoring tally built on five three-pointers that countered 19 from Chicago.

Having prevailed over the Knicks twice this season, the Bulls refused to back down and created one last bit of drama with five quick points from Coby White. More clutch defensive antics from Precious Achiuwa, making another start in Anunoby's place, sealed the deal, as a switch from Vucevic to White forced an airball from the former as the final shot of the game.

Feb 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Chicago (22-34) remains stationed in the fourth and final Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament spot despite dropping its fifth in a row. Giddey paced all Bulls with 27 points in defeat. Already depleted after selling off veteran assets at the trade deadline, Chicago lost Jalen Smith to a face injury after an interior encounter with Towns in the opening period.

There's no rest for the Knicks, who immediately return to action against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on the road come Friday night (7 p.m. ET, MSG/ESPN).

Make sure you bookmark Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns as and so much more!

• Jalen Brunson Reps Team USA
• Knicks Bounced By Jimmy Butler In National TV Slot
• Knicks Must Use Bulls As Warmup
• Bobby Portis Suspended 25 Games
• 3 Bold Predictions For Knicks' Second Half