NBA -- Bulls manhandle Knicks, 111-80

CHICAGO -- As the playoffs near, the Chicago Bulls continued to hit their stride and dominated the shorthanded New York Knicks, 111-80, on Saturday night at the United Center.

The Bulls jumped to an early 17- 9 lead and never looked back. Nikola Mirotic led all scorers with 24 points off the bench while Pau Gasol recorded another double double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Former No.1 pick Andrea Bargnani led with 14 points for the Knicks, who shot only 38 percent from the field. for the entire game. Without their superstar Carmelo Anthony, the Knicsk continued to struggle and has won just 14 games,

Without injured superstar Derrick Rose, six Bulls scored in double figures. Chicago had a total team effort as they had 6 players score in double figures. Jimmy Butler turned in 18 and Aaron Brooks had 12 and 5 assists. Mike Dunleavy pitched in 10.

At 45-29, the Bulls remain in third place in the Eastern Conference, two games behind the 47-27 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Photo: Bulls rookie drives through the teeth of the Knicks defense in Chicago's 111-80 blowout over New York.