Bulls Remain Undefeated with 135-125 Win Over Knicks
The Chicago Bulls achieved an impressive milestone by starting the season with a 5-0 record for the first time since the 1996-97 season. They secured this undefeated status with a thrilling 135-125 victory over the New York Knicks on October 27, 2023. This marks only the third time in the franchise’s history that the Bulls have begun a season this strong, highlighting a significant turnaround for the team.
Despite the excitement in the locker room following the victory, Bulls guard Josh Giddey emphasized the importance of remaining grounded. “We feel good as a group of where we’re at right now, but there’s a long way to go,” he stated. Giddey led the charge with a career-high 32 points, adding 10 rebounds and 9 assists, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s success. His performance included a dominant first half where he scored 21 points and matched his career-best of four 3-pointers in a half.
Through five games, Giddey is averaging 22 points, 8 assists, and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 48% overall and 45% from beyond the arc. “It’s a place where I’m wanted,” he said, reflecting on his confidence in the team and the trust placed in him by both teammates and coaches.
The Bulls’ offensive strategy has thrived on swift ball movement, as evidenced by their collection of 31 assists on 45 field goals against the Knicks. Giddey noted, “We all love each other, we all love playing with each other. When you enjoy the people you get to go to work with every day, it makes it a lot more fun.”
Chicago’s strong start includes victories over several projected playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, with wins against New York, Orlando, Atlanta, and Detroit. The team’s next challenge will come on Sunday, when they face the Knicks again at Madison Square Garden, followed by a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers, who also lost for the first time this season on Friday.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the significance of the team’s early success, stating, “The mentality that they believe, which I think is very, very powerful… When there’s belief, it’s really, really powerful.” He celebrated his 200th victory as the team’s coach while also reminding everyone of the long road ahead. “It’s very early. It’s five games, and I’m happy with the start that we’ve got. We can’t lose sight of the bigger picture,” Donovan said.
As the Bulls continue their season, they are not only focused on maintaining their winning streak but also on building a strong team dynamic that could carry them deep into the playoffs.
