New York Knicks 104-103 Chicago Bulls: 5 Talking points as Julius Randle’s near triple-double allows Knicks to survive gritty Bulls | 2021-22 NBA season

The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls fought a thrilling battle on Joaquim Noah Night at the United Center. After DeMar DeRozan's last second jumper fell short with RJ Barrett draped over him, the Knicks survived an exciting clash against the formidable Bulls.

The New York Knicks were in seemingly cruise control for most of the game. They had a 13-point lead with a little over two minutes left in the game, before the Chicago Bulls launched a furious comeback.

New York were led by Julius Randle's near-triple double performance. The All-Star forward was brilliant throughout the game, except when he fluffed two crucial free throws. The missed free throws gave the Bulls a glimmer of hope before DeRozan's shot failed to go in.

It's only the first of four meetings between the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls this season, so more fireworks are expected in their next clash. On that note, here are five talking points from the game:

#5 The New York Knicks sustained their fiery form

New signees, Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, have greatly helped in the New York Knicks' offensive renaissance.

Last year, the New York Knicks ranked a lowly 22nd in Offensive Rating at 110.2. They currently sit fourth with 113.1. The arrival of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier has completely changed the dynamics of the New York Knicks' offense. They are no longer overly reliant on Julius Randle.

Additionally, the spacing and threat from outside have opened up lanes for Randle and other rim attackers to operate. Walker, Fournier and Alec Burks shot a combined 9-17 from the deep in this game. The Chicago Bulls' defense was scrambling throughout the game because of the Knicks' newfound offensive efficacy.

Just like in their win against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks' depth was in full display. They had as many as five players in double figures, with every player fielded by Tom Thibodeau scoring at least one basket.

---

#4 Zach LaVine could have been affected by his injured thumb

Zach LaVine played through with a torn ligament in his left thumb in the game against the New York Knicks.

Everyone knew heading into the game that Zach LaVine tore a minor ligament in his thumb. The All-Star guard was adamant he was going to play through the pain. That did not seem to bother him early in the game, as he torched the New York Knicks with 17 first-half points. LaVine scored in different parts of the floor, and in different ways.

The Chicago Bulls' best player the last few seasons scored on drives, jumpers and follow-ups. The physicality of the game, though, seemed to slow him down as the game wore on. He was seen grimacing in several instances when there was contact, particularly on drives to the hoop.

LaVine finished with 25 points, six rebounds and three assists, but the Bulls will have to make a decision soon on how to proceed with the player, considering his injury. If he is compromised in any way, the Bulls' chances of making the playoffs after a lengthy drought will be in jeopardy.

#3 Julius Randle was the New York Knicks' best facilitator

Julius Randle's ability to pass out of double teams and off the dribble is an invaluable part of the New York Knicks' offense.

There was much talk about how the New York Knicks' playmaking would improve with the presence of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. Obviously, the Knicks' playmaking has improved this season. However, Julius Randle, who led the team in assists last season, continues to impress with his ability to set up teammates in different ways.

His career and team-high 6.5 assists do not tell the entire story of how his playmaking impacted the Knicks' offense. The All-Star forward already had five assists by half-time against the Bulls. Had a few of those opportunities he created were converted, he could easily have had eight assists before half-time.

While Walker and Fournier have kept the defense from collapsing on Randle, New York's best player is also giving his perimeter guys open looks because of his passing ability. This is the new aspect in Thibodeau's team that was absent last year. It's one of the reasons why they were fourth in Offensive Rating coming into this game.

The Chicago Bulls were clearly determined not to allow Randle to beat them, but last season's Most Improved Player dissected the Bulls' defense with precision. Although he missed two crucial free throws towards the end of the game, his production during the clash was undeniable. Randle finished with 13 points, 16 rebounds and an assist, which was just short of a triple-double.

---

#2 Points in the paint and rebounding made the difference for the Knicks

Julius Randle and the New York Knicks outmuscled the Chicago Bulls in the paint.

The New York Knicks entered the game ranked tenth in rebounding, while the Bulls were in 29th place. With a 49-37 rebounding edge, the Knicks slowly killed the Bulls with added ball possessions. In a game that went down to the wire, those extra possessions made the difference.

Many of the New York Knicks' rebounds were on put-backs for high percentage shots. New York had 50 points in the paint compared to 40 for Chicago. The Chicago Bulls battled, but they just could not keep up with the size and aggression of the New York Knicks.

The Bulls are known to play plenty of small Ball with DeMar DeRozan in the power forward position. It was a scheme the New York Knicks took full advantage of. Billy Donovan's team were on their heels for most of the game, partly because of their inability to corral rebounds.

---

#1 Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso were the unsung heroes for the Chicago Bulls

Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball set the tone defensively for the Chicago Bulls against the New York Knicks. [Photo: Forbes]

The defense was going to be critical for the Chicago Bulls against a potent New York Knicks offense. That defense was exemplified by Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball. Caruso had two steals, while Ball had a single block. The numbers don't do justice to what they did on the floor.

With the Bulls going in with a small lineup, the Knicks had one of their guards to battle Julius Randle in the post. In most cases, it was either Caruso or Ball.

Despite giving up a ton of weight and height, the two guards held their own, forcing Randle into some difficult situations. They made their presence count when it came to 50-50 balls in the game.

The Bulls were eventually able to claw their way back into the game, partly due to the gritty and scrappy performances of Caruso and Ball on the defensive side of the floor.