CHICAGO -- Usually, when a team leads by eight points with 3:33 left to play in the fourth quarter, victory is almost certain.
Unfortunately for the Chicago Bulls, the unusual happened on Monday night (Tuesday morning in the Philippines).
After taking what appeared to be a commanding 98-90 cushion, the visitors went on a drought until the final buzzer. The anomaly allowed the New York Knicks to escape with a stunning 105-98 victory at the Madison Square Garden where a capacity crowd of 19,763 came in full force.
Former Bulls Bobby Portis inflicted the most damage to his former team, leading the Knicks with a gutty effort of 28 points, including 11 in the payoff period, and 11 rebounds. Rookie RJ Barrett also turned in a nice performance with 19 points and 15 boards while Marcus Morris and Mitchell Robinson each had 10 points.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 21 on a timid 8-for-18 shooting. Wendell Carter Jr had 20 points and 10 boards but the Bulls made only 36 of of 85 field goals and struggled from long distance with just 9-of-35.
Bulls head coach Jim Boylen had nothing but praise for the ex-Bull's demolition job.
"I've always said that Bobby Portis is one of my favorite guys off all time. He's a tough, competitive guy who works and cares. We traded Bobby Portis because that what happens in our league," he told ESPN.
Chicago fell to 1-3 for the season and hopes to reverse their fortunes when they play the Cavaliers in Cleveland tomorrow.
The Knicks, who were 0-3 entering the game, are finally in the win column.
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