Bulls vs Knicks Match Player Stats & Key Performances

The Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks have one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries, but the 2025-26 season told a lopsided story. The Knicks swept the season series 2-0, capped by a 136-96 demolition on April 3, 2026, according to NBA.com (official league site). This article breaks down the player stats from those two matchups, the key performers, and what the numbers mean for both teams moving forward.

Latest match result (Feb 22, 2026): Knicks 105-99 Bulls ·
Knicks leading scorer (Feb 22): Karl-Anthony Towns – 28 pts, 11 reb ·
Knicks season PPG leader: Jalen Brunson – 26.0 ppg ·
Bulls season record (as of Apr 3, 2026): 29-48

Key facts from the series are summarized below.

Who is better, the Bulls or the Knicks?

Head-to-head record (2025-26 season)

The Knicks won both meetings decisively. On Feb. 22, 2026, New York took a 105-99 win at home, then routed Chicago 136-96 on April 3 to complete the sweep. The season series stands at 2-0 in favor of the Knicks.

The implication: the Knicks have established dominance in the current matchup.

Recent performance trends

• The Knicks finished the season 50-28, clinching a playoff berth (NBA.com).
• The Bulls went 29-48, eliminated from contention (NBA.com).
• New York averaged 116.2 ppg; Chicago averaged 108.4 ppg.

The pattern: the Knicks have momentum, while the Bulls are rebuilding. The implication: Chicago faces a long road back to relevance.

Key player statistics comparison

Two starters, one contrast: Brunson and Towns powered the Knicks; Chicago lacked a consistent go-to scorer in the second game.

The trade-off: the Knicks spent more and built a deeper roster; the Bulls stayed cheaper but fell short. The catch: Chicago’s cap space doesn’t help if they can’t attract top free agents.

Who is the star of the Knicks?

Jalen Brunson’s role and statistics

Jalen Brunson is the Knicks’ leading scorer with 26.0 points per game (ESPN). He also averages 6.8 assists, functioning as the team’s primary playmaker. His 4-year, $104 million extension signed in 2024 was widely seen as team-friendly, as he could have commanded the max (ESPN (NBA analyst)).

Karl-Anthony Towns’ impact

Towns leads the team in rebounding (11.9 rpg) and scored 28 points with 11 rebounds in the Feb. 22 win (ESPN UK (media partner)). According to the same source, that marked his NBA-leading 39th double-double of the season.

OG Anunoby’s emergence

OG Anunoby exploded for 31 points in the April 3 game (ESPN’s recap (sports wire)), showing his ability to carry the scoring load when needed. He averaged 18.8 ppg for the season, per ESPN.

The pattern: New York’s star power is distributed across multiple players, making them difficult to defend.

Are the Knicks out of the playoffs?

Current standings (Eastern Conference)

As of April 3, 2026, the Knicks hold a 50-28 record and have clinched a playoff spot (NBA.com). The Bulls sit at 29-48, eliminated from postseason contention (NBA.com).

Playoff implications

The Knicks are locked into the top half of the East, likely the 3rd seed. Their first-round opponent is still undetermined, but they hold home-court advantage for at least one series.

Remaining schedule

New York has 4 games left; Chicago has 5. Neither can change their playoff destiny, but seeding battles remain for the Knicks.

What this means: the Knicks can afford to rest players, while the Bulls must evaluate young talent.

Did Jalen Brunson give up $100 million?

Contract details (4 years, $104 million)

Brunson signed a 4-year, $104 million extension in 2024 (ESPN). He was eligible for a $113 million max, meaning he effectively gave up around $9 million in guaranteed money, not $100 million. The move prioritized roster flexibility.

Brunson’s team-friendly decision

By taking less, Brunson allowed the Knicks to retain Mitchell Robinson and add Towns without luxury-tax penalties. The strategy has paid off with the team’s best record in years.

Impact on Knicks’ salary cap flexibility

The Knicks have an estimated salary cap of $143 million for 2025-26, per ESPN. Brunson’s below-max contract gives them room to extend younger players like OG Anunoby.

The implication: the Knicks’ financial flexibility is a direct result of Brunson’s sacrifice.

What were the key player stats in the latest Bulls vs Knicks match?

Box score highlights (Apr 3, 2026)

• Final score: Knicks 136-96 Bulls (ESPN box score)
• Q1: Knicks 38-16, Q2: 40-18 (Knicks led by 44 at half) (Land of Basketball (box score archive))
• Knicks shooting: 54% from the field (ESPN recap)

Top performers

• OG Anunoby: 31 points (ESPN recap)
• Mitchell Robinson: 17 points, 11 rebounds (ESPN recap)
• Karl-Anthony Towns: 28 points, 11 rebounds (Feb 22 game) (ESPN UK)

Team comparison

Here is a statistical breakdown of the two teams in the April 3 game.

Action Network reported that the Knicks recorded 50 rebounds and 27 assists in the Feb 22 game, while the Bulls had 52 rebounds and 23 assists.

The implication: the gap in quality was glaring, especially in the first half.

For the Bulls, the path forward requires tough decisions in the draft and free agency, or they risk falling further behind in the Eastern Conference. For the Knicks, the choice is clear: use this momentum to make a deep playoff run, or waste a season of dominant regular-season performance.