Bulls Routed by Knicks in Playoff Opener at MSG

NEW YORK — The Chicago Bulls stumbled in their NBA playoff opener on Friday night, falling 136-96 to the New York Knicks in a lopsided affair at Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby torched Chicago for 31 points, while Mitchell Robinson added 17 points and 11 rebounds, as New York built a commanding 47-point lead. For Bulls fans back home in the United Center's shadow, the loss stings amid high hopes for an Illinois postseason run.

Chicago struggled from the tip, unable to match the Knicks' intensity in the April 3, 2026, matchup. The Bulls, representing the heart of Illinois basketball pride, now trail 0-1 in this first-round Eastern Conference series. Key players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan were held in check, exposing defensive lapses that allowed New York to cruise to victory. United Center faithful, still buzzing from the regular season, brace for a critical Game 2.

This clash revives the storied Bulls-Knicks rivalry, etched in Illinois memory from Michael Jordan's epic battles and Scottie Pippen's dramatic moments, like his self-bench in the 1994 playoffs. Despite the thrashing, Chicago's resilience—honed in the Windy City's tough hoops scene—offers hope. Coach Billy Donovan called for adjustments, emphasizing rebounding and perimeter defense ahead of the return to Chicago.