New York Knicks split back-to-back games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls

The New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 111 to 99, then lost to the Chicago Bulls 124 to 123 in back-to-back games.

The Knicks played sloppy basketball against Philly, turning the ball over 15 times and shooting 29% from three. But a big game from OG Anunoby helped enjoy a slight lead throughout most of the action. New York pulled away in the fourth quarter, as their offense finally got rolling while their defense never let up.

Fatigue played a role in New York’s next game against Chicago. The Bulls controlled the pace of the action, forcing a run-and-gun game that left the Knicks’ defense a step slow. In the third quarter, the game looked like a blowout. Chicago leaped out to a 23-point lead before the Knicks finally kicked into gear.

The Knicks reeled off 17 unanswered points to bring the game within 5 points heading into the fourth. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way, and Jalen Brunson nearly closed. But one final defensive mishap cost New York the game.

This double-header featured an expanded rotation. Tom Thibodeau deployed Cam Payne and Matt Ryan, extending the rotation to nine players.

Let’s examine some standouts from the past two nights and then discuss the rest in expanded notes.

Notable Performances

A closer look at the stars

Karl-Anthony Towns 

Vs. Philly: 21 PTS (7/16 FG, 2/6 3PT, 5/6 FT), 6 AST, 13 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 38 mins

Vs. Chicago: 46 PTS (18/30 FG, 6/12 3PT, 4/8 FT), 3 AST, 10 REB, 3 STL, 4 TO in 39 mins

We’ve only seen 11 games of Karl-Anthony Towns as a Knick, but it has become clear that many teams don’t have an answer for him. Towns sparked the Knicks’ offense early against Philadelphia and made buckets throughout the game. When Philly doubled him, Towns responded with his most impressive passing performance so far.

Towns looked even better against Chicago. Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith could barely keep up with him. His missed free throws are all that kept him from a 50-point night.

The only issue with Towns’ performances is foul trouble against Chicago, but that feels excusable, thanks to some soft calls against him in the fourth.