Bulls trounce lowly Knicks
Earlier this season, the Bulls made a habit of losing at home to sub-.500 teams.
Maybe they've gotten better in that regard, but who can really tell when the lowly New York Knicks show up.
The Knicks have been focused on securing the NBA's worst record and there was not let down in that goal Saturday at the United Center. The Bulls led early and often in a ridiculously easy 111-80 victory.
This one was so lopsided, fans at the UC started a wave, with Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler joining in from the Bulls' bench.
The Bulls (45-29) have now won five of their last six and matched a season-best by moving 16 games above .500. They remain two games in the loss column behind second-place Cleveland and one ahead of fourth-place Toronto with eight games remaining.
Nikola Mirotic led six Bulls in double figures with 24 points. Pau Gasol finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds for his league-leading 48th double-double of the season. Butler had 18 points and 5 steals, while Taj Gibson stayed on the floor for much of the fourth quarter and added 14.
The Bulls finished with a 51-35 rebounding edge and led 50-22 in points in the paint. The Knicks (14-60), who lost their 60th game for the first time in franchise history, were led by Andrea Bargnani with 14 points.
Check back for more on this game from Mike McGraw.