The Knicks played seven of their first 10 games outside Manhattan, but Wednesday night represented the start of a four-game home stand against sub-.500 teams that would evenly distribute their schedule to open the season.
The Knicks erased a 22-point deficit late in the third quarter to take a lead into the frantic closing seconds, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion and fall to 5-6 with a 124-123 home loss to the Bulls to conclude their first back-to-back of the season.
Coby White was fouled by Josh Hart while attempting a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.0 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and sank all three free throws for a one-point Chicago lead.
Jalen Brunson’s turnaround jumper then rimmed out as time expried, as the Knicks failed to build on Tuesday’s win in Philadelphia.
Brunson remained in the lineup after being listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle, and he finished with 24 points and eight assists in 34 minutes, including the go-ahead driving layup off the glass with 4.6 remaining.
Karl-Anthony Towns also continued his stellar offensive play with a season-high 46 points and 10 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges added 20 points for the Knicks, who will play consecutive home games against the Nets on Friday and Sunday.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls (5-7) with 31, while White finished with 22 and Nikola Vucevic added 19 points and 11 boards.
