Bulls Fall Short Again As Knicks Secure Second Straight Overtime Win

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Knicks' Overtime Prowess

The Knicks' second straight overtime win wasn't a fluke; it was a product of several key factors. Their performance in the extra period highlighted their exceptional ability to perform under pressure.

Clutch Performances

Several Knicks players delivered clutch performances in overtime.

• Jalen Brunson: Brunson led the charge with 8 crucial points in overtime, including a game-winning pull-up jumper with 2 seconds remaining. His final stat line included 30 points and 7 assists, showcasing his all-around impact.
• RJ Barrett: Barrett contributed 6 points in overtime, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls. His aggressive play helped keep the Bulls' defense honest. He finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds.
• Mitchell Robinson: Robinson's defensive presence was vital, securing a crucial rebound and a timely block in the final minute of overtime. He grabbed 12 rebounds for the game.

Strategic Adjustments

Coach Thibodeau made some key strategic adjustments that paid off handsomely in overtime.

• Defensive Scheme: The Knicks switched to a more aggressive zone defense, disrupting the Bulls' offensive flow and forcing turnovers.
• Offensive Sets: The Knicks ran more pick-and-roll plays, leveraging Brunson's scoring ability and Robinson's inside presence. This effectively created higher-percentage scoring opportunities.

Mental Fortitude

The Knicks displayed unwavering mental toughness. They didn't waver despite the Bulls' attempts to regain the lead.

• Resilience: After several lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime, the Knicks remained composed and focused on executing their game plan. Their composure was a significant factor in securing the victory.

Bulls' Offensive Struggles in the Clutch

While the Knicks excelled in the clutch, the Bulls struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. This ultimately cost them the game.

Missed Opportunities

The Bulls missed several crucial shots and committed costly turnovers down the stretch.

• Zach LaVine's Missed Three: LaVine, who finished with 28 points, missed a wide-open three-pointer with 30 seconds left in overtime, a potentially game-changing shot.
• Turnovers in Overtime: The Bulls committed three turnovers in overtime, directly leading to easy Knicks scoring opportunities.

Defensive Lapses

The Bulls' defensive performance faltered in overtime, allowing the Knicks too many easy baskets.

• Pick-and-Roll Defense: The Bulls struggled to defend the Knicks' pick-and-roll plays, consistently leaving shooters open.
• Late-Game Communication: Several defensive breakdowns stemmed from poor communication and missed assignments, allowing Brunson to consistently penetrate.

Lack of Consistent Scoring

The Bulls lacked consistent scoring throughout the game, heavily relying on LaVine's scoring prowess.

• Offensive Balance: Outside of LaVine, the Bulls struggled to find consistent scoring, particularly in the closing stages of the game. This reliance on one player proved to be a fatal flaw.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments shaped the game's outcome.

Momentum Shifts

• Brunson's Late Three-Pointer: A three-pointer by Brunson in the final minute of the fourth quarter gave the Knicks a crucial lead.
• Robinson's Offensive Rebound: Robinson's offensive rebound and put-back late in overtime helped the Knicks maintain their lead.

Refereeing Decisions

There were no significantly controversial refereeing calls that dramatically impacted the game's outcome.

Conclusion

The New York Knicks' overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls underscored the Knicks' ability to perform under pressure, highlighting their improved late-game execution. In contrast, the Bulls' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their defensive lapses in the clutch proved costly. The Knicks' clutch performances and strategic adjustments, combined with the Bulls' offensive struggles, ultimately decided this tightly contested NBA basketball game. The Bulls’ continued struggles in close games remain a concern, while the Knicks display growing confidence and efficiency in overtime situations.

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