knicks vs bulls

Knicks vs Bulls: Giddey’s Career Night Lights Up the NBA

The Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks rivalry has always been a staple of NBA drama, but the 2025 edition delivered something special—an electrifying performance from Australian star Josh Giddey, who dropped a career-high 32 points in a 135-125 Halloween night victory. The game, played at the United Center on October 31, wasn’t just another regular-season clash; it was a statement from the Bulls, who improved to a 5-0 start, their best in nearly three decades.

For Australian basketball fans, this was a moment to savour. Giddey, the 22-year-old from Melbourne, silenced any lingering doubts about his fit in Chicago’s system with a masterclass against a Knicks team that entered the game at full strength. But what made this game truly unforgettable? Let’s break it down.

Giddey’s Breakout Performance: The Aussie Who Stole the Show

In a game that featured stars like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Nikola Vucevic, it was Giddey who stole the spotlight. The Bulls guard exploded for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 60% from the field in one of the most dominant individual performances of the young season.

"I couldn’t believe it—he was everywhere," one ESPN commentator remarked. "The Knicks had no answers for him."

Fox Sports called it a "career day" for Giddey, who has quickly adapted to his new team after being traded from Oklahoma City in the offseason. His ability to attack the basket, facilitate, and even knock down mid-range jumpers had the Chicago crowd roaring.

The performance wasn’t just a fluke—it was a statement. After a slow start to his Bulls tenure, Giddey has found his rhythm, and this game proved he can be the secondary playmaker Chicago needs behind Coby White.

Recent Updates: The Bulls Are Rolling, the Knicks Are Reeling

October 31: Bulls Dominate on Halloween Night

• Final Score: Bulls 135, Knicks 125
• Key Performers:
• Josh Giddey (CHI): 32 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST
• Nikola Vucevic (CHI): 26 PTS, 12 REB
• Jalen Brunson (NYK): 28 PTS, 6 AST
• Takeaway: The Bulls’ offense was unstoppable, shooting 52% from the field and 42% from three. The Knicks, despite having Mitchell Robinson back from injury, struggled defensively.

November 2: Knicks Seek Revenge in Immediate Rematch

Just two days later, the Knicks and Bulls squared off again—this time with New York looking for payback. Reports from The Sporting News suggested the Bulls were dealing with injury concerns (unverified at the time of writing), while the Knicks hoped to bounce back after their Halloween embarrassment.

"The Knicks had a perfect revenge opportunity," one analyst noted. "But the Bulls are playing with confidence now."

ESPN’s pregame analysis leaned toward the Knicks, citing home-court advantage and Brunson’s ability to control tempo. But with Giddey and Vucevic in form, the Bulls remained a dangerous underdog.

Why This Game Matters: The Bigger Picture

Bulls’ Best Start in 30 Years

A 5-0 record is rare in the modern NBA, and the Bulls haven’t achieved it since the late 1990s—the tail end of the Michael Jordan era. While this team isn’t on that level (yet), the early success signals real progress under new head coach Billy Donovan.

• Offensive Firepower: Giddey, Vucevic, and Coby White give Chicago a three-headed scoring attack.
• Defensive Concerns: The Bulls are giving up 118.6 PPG—a potential problem against elite offenses.

Knicks’ Struggles Despite Healthy Roster

The Knicks entered the season with high expectations after acquiring Towns in the offseason. Yet, their defensive lapses against the Bulls exposed lingering issues:
- Poor perimeter defense (Giddey and White combined for 50+ points)
- Inconsistent bench production (only one reserve scored in double digits)

For a team that prides itself on physicality and hustle, this was a concerning loss.

What’s Next? The Immediate Impact & Future Outlook

For the Bulls: Can They Keep This Up?

• Pros: Giddey’s emergence as a go-to scorer takes pressure off Vucevic. The team’s chemistry is clicking early.
• Cons: Injuries (like the unverified update on a "rising star" pre-rematch) could derail momentum. The defense remains a question mark.

If Chicago maintains this level of play, they could be a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.

For the Knicks: Time to Adjust

• Pros: Brunson and Towns are still a lethal duo, and Robinson’s return helps the interior defense.
• Cons: The lack of a reliable third scorer outside of Brunson and Towns is worrying. The bench needs to step up.

The Knicks must tighten their defense or risk falling behind in a stacked East.

The Aussie Angle: Giddey’s Rising Stock

For Australian fans, Giddey’s breakout is huge news. After a turbulent OKC tenure, he’s proving he can thrive as a primary option. If he keeps this up, he could:
- Earn his first All-Star nod
- Boost his free-agency value (he’s extension-eligible this summer)
- Inspire the next generation of Aussie hoopers

Final Thoughts: A Rivalry Renewed

The Knicks vs Bulls matchup is heating up, and with Giddey’s emergence, the stakes are higher than ever. The Bulls are playing with swagger, while the Knicks are searching for answers.

For now, Chicago holds the bragging rights—but with the rematch already sparking debate, this could be the start of a must-watch rivalry this season.

One thing’s for sure: Australian basketball fans have a new hero to cheer for. And if Giddey keeps this up, the NBA world will be watching.

— Stay tuned for more updates as the Knicks and Bulls battle it out in the 2025 NBA season.