The Knicks have a rough start to the season, beginning with the team that tried to steal Carmelo Anthony from the Knicks.

Knicks started off the game well enough, opening up with an 8-2 run, causing four turnovers in first six possessions. It was capped off by an Anthony steal leading to an Amare Stoudemire slam dunk. Bulls finished the first quarter strong though, going on an 8-0, taking a 24-20 lead. The Knick’s bench could not keep up with the Bulls’ bench, Taj Gibson and Aaron Brooks had their way. All the Knicks’ starters had positive +/- in the first quarter, unfortunately every bench player was negative…

The dominance of the Bull’s bench continued into the second quarter, scoring 22 of the 29 points in the quarter. Gibson in particular dominated, scoring ten points in the period, completely dominating Quincy Acy. Gibson finished the game with 22 points and 8 rebounds. The Bulls held a ten point led at halftime 53-43, with Pau Gasol grabbing an offensive rebound, and sinking an 11 foot jump shot to beat the buzzer.

The third quarter was a laugher, with the Bulls extending their lead to as much as 24 in the period. The Bulls just had their way offensively, shooting 68.8% from the field, and suffocated defensively, holding New York to 27.3% shooting.

Of course the Knicks played no defense, which everyone knew would be a sore spot for New York this season. This could not have been more evident than when the Bull’s gained a 20 point lead with 4:07 remaining in the third with back to back wide open dunks under the rim by Gasol, and Gibson. Gasol finished his first game with the Bulls with a double double, 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Even though the game was well in hand for Chicago, they did not relent, they continued playing their tenacious defense, and increased their lead to as much as 35 points in the fourth quarter. With a trip to Cleveland, for the first official home game return for The King, Fisher decided to throw in the white towel, leaving the bench players to finish off the game.

Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudemire were the only two Knicks in double figures with 14 points and 12 points respectively. Anthony at times looked tentative to take shots, he would’ve been all too happy to take last season, but it looked like he tried too hard to get his inept teammates involved in the triangle offense.

The triangle offense looked awful, there were too many mid-range jump shots, coming from players who are average at best at making them, particularly the Knicks’ bigs. Samuel Dalembert needs to stop trying to do any offensive post moves (got blocked every time), as well as trying to take mid-range jumpers. Although he did have a few nifty bounce passes.

Game Note:     Jose Calderon out with strained calf. Larkin to started the game (-17 +/-).

                          Jimmy Butler out because of sprained ligaments in his thumb.

Personal Note: My favorite part about tonight’s game was Taylor Swift’s halftime Welcome to New York video…. and interview… I wish I was kidding…….