How it Happened
Playing without three of their top five scorers, including All-Star Carmelo Anthony (knee), the Knicks showed impressive resolve from start to finish against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. They answered the call on national television, but fell just short as Chicago's Jimmy Butler scored a career-high 35 points en route to a 103-97 Bulls win.
Amar'e Stoudemire (16 points, six rebounds, four blocks) opted to play instead of taking a scheduled rest day, and he, Tim Hardaway Jr. (23 points, five assists) and Jose Calderon (12 points) gave the Knicks some steady leadership on a night when they really needed it.
The hostile road environment mixed with the shorthanded roster could've sunk New York early, but the Knicks kept battling. They came back after the Bulls closed the first quarter on a 15-5 run and outrebounded Chicago, 41-32, to stick around until the end. The score was within one possession in the final minute, but Butler knocked down a clutch 3 and New York was unable to close the gap.
Travis Wear and Cole Aldrich entered the starting lineup and made solid plays all night, combining for 21 points and 14 rebounds in 26 minutes apiece.
Knick of the Night
Hardaway was one of many to have trouble containing Butler, but his scoring output (including 5 of 8 from 3-point land) and passing instincts were essential to the New York offense.
Game Notes
In addition to Anthony being out, J.R. Smith (heel) missed his fifth straight game. Derrick Rose (illness) and Taj Gibson (ankle) did not dress for Chicago.
Next Up
The Knicks fly back tonight to prepare for a busy weekend, which starts with a 1pm tipoff against Phoenix at the Garden on Saturday and continues with a matinee matchup in Toronto on Sunday.