Written by William Lee

Wednesday matchup between the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks featured two injury -ridden teams. There would be no game winning floaters from Derrick Rose, as he has since underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee, since their opening week matchup. The Bulls were also without starters Luol Deng, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury, and Jimmy Butler, out with an injury to his turf toe. The Knicks are still without center Tyson Chandler (fractured leg), and were also without starting point guard Raymond Felton, who pulled his hamstring in the last game.

It was a defensive struggle in the first quarter, with the Bulls leading 17-15 after one period. The Knicks got out to an early lead going on a 9-0 after the Bulls scored the first basket. Carmelo Anthony had four points and an assist leading to an Andrea Bargnani layup during the run. The Bulls though would answer, with a 7-0 run to tie the game up at 9-9. Mike Dunleavy was responsible for all the points in the run, scoring five points and handing an assist to Carlos Boozer for a layup. Both teams would exchange baskets the rest of the way, as the Bulls locked down the Knicks on defense, forcing New York to shot 26.1% from the field. The Knicks also played good defense, getting into the passing lanes, getting seven steals, and causing the Bulls to have eight turnovers in the first quarter. Continue reading →