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New York Knicks: Defeating Bulls is no joke on April Fools Day

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY APRIL 1: Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 1, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY APRIL 1: Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls on April 1, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks achieved potentially their last win of the 2018-19 season, with a 113-105 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Monday night marked a not-so-impromptu battle for the draft lottery between the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. Although their spots were basically locked in entering the evening, anything can happen in the final span of games.

Well, for one night, the Knicks had the edge in the win column and not the tank-a-palooza, between a combined 35 victories. Not a coincidence, either, it was April Fools Day. Yes, the day with the most jokes, pranks and hijinks featured a Knicks win.

Go figure.

It also came against a Bulls team that started JaKarr Sampson, Shaquille Harrison, Wayne Selden, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Robin Lopez, who’s 29 points and seven rebounds made him the star of their show. Yes, it was that kind of game.

More importantly, it was about the Young Knicks who consumed the starting lineup. No more DeAndre Jordan or Lance Thomas opening games. Instead, it was a frontline of Mitchell Robinson and Luke Kornet, with Emmanuel Mudiay, Damyean Dotson and Kevin Knox — a typical trio — flanking them.

Celebrating his 21st birthday, Robinson had another stat sheet-stuffing night, with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. He took just four shots but hit six of eight free throws.

The tantalizing potential Robinson shows with each game is impossible to ignore, and he is the young talent to keep when free agents are inevitably added this summer. Even more so than Knox.

On top of this, Robinson recorded his 25th consecutive game of at least two blocks. He stands in some remarkable territory, as a result.

Protect this man at all costs.

Otherwise, the Knicks shot 50 percent from the field and went 18-for-38 on three-pointers. It was against Chicago, sure, but it was an accomplishment to be that effective for a team that notoriously struggles shooting.

  • Kornet had a career-high 24 points, went 5-for-7 on three-pointers and amassed three blocks. This took advantage of, aside from Lopez, a small frontline.
  • Knox only shot 6-for-15, but he added two three-pointers, nine rebounds, three assists and one block.
  • Jordan, Henry Ellenson and Mario Hezonja all did not play via coach’s decision. One block can only get a player so far.

Next. 25 greatest players in NYK history. dark

The New York Knicks will return to the court on Wednesday, April 3, against the Orlando Magic. Game time is 7:00 p.m. ET. This is the fifth-to-last game of the season.

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