30 Facts About Knicks Vs. Bulls

Knicks vs. Bulls: A Rivalry for the Ages

The New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls have a storied history in the NBA. Their matchups have produced some of the most memorable moments in basketball. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic rivalry.

1. The Knicks and Bulls first faced off on October 26, 1966. The Knicks won 113-106.

2. Michael Jordan scored his career-high 69 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his highest against the Knicks was 55 points on March 28, 1995.

3. The Bulls and Knicks met six times in the NBA playoffs during the 1990s. The Bulls won five of those series.

4. Patrick Ewing, the Knicks' star center, played 15 seasons with the team and faced the Bulls in numerous high-stakes games.

5. The 1993 Eastern Conference Finals saw the Bulls defeat the Knicks in six games, with the Bulls going on to win their third consecutive NBA Championship.

Iconic Moments and Players

Certain games and players have defined the Knicks vs. Bulls rivalry. Here are some key highlights.

6. John Starks' famous dunk over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant in Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in Knicks history.

7. Scottie Pippen's defense on Ewing in the 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals was crucial in the Bulls' victory.

8. The "Double Nickel" game on March 28, 1995, saw Michael Jordan score 55 points against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden shortly after his return from retirement.

9. Charles Oakley, who played for both the Knicks and Bulls, was known for his tough, physical style of play.

10. The 1992-93 season saw the Knicks finish with a 60-22 record, their best since 1970, but they were ultimately defeated by the Bulls in the playoffs.

Coaches and Strategies

Coaching strategies have played a significant role in the outcomes of Knicks vs. Bulls games. Here are some interesting facts about the coaches.

11. Phil Jackson, who coached the Bulls to six NBA Championships, later coached the Knicks from 2014 to 2017.

12. Pat Riley, known for his defensive coaching style, led the Knicks during their intense battles with the Bulls in the early 1990s.

13. Jeff Van Gundy, who succeeded Riley as Knicks coach, famously clung to Alonzo Mourning's leg during a brawl in a 1998 playoff game against the Miami Heat, showcasing his fiery coaching style.

14. The triangle offense, popularized by Phil Jackson, was a key strategy for the Bulls during their championship runs.

15. The Knicks' physical defense, known as the "Knicks' Wall," was a hallmark of their strategy against the Bulls.

Memorable Games

Several games between the Knicks and Bulls have become legendary. Here are some of the most memorable matchups.

16. Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw the Knicks win 87-86 on a last-second shot by Ewing.

17. The Christmas Day game in 1994 featured a thrilling 107-104 victory for the Knicks over the Bulls.

18. In the 1996-97 season, the Bulls defeated the Knicks 88-87 in a game that featured a controversial no-call on a potential game-winning shot by Ewing.

19. The 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw the Bulls win in seven games, with Jordan scoring 42 points in the decisive Game 7.

20. The 1989-90 season featured a memorable game where the Knicks defeated the Bulls 109-106 in overtime.

Rivalry Beyond the Court

The Knicks vs. Bulls rivalry extends beyond the basketball court. Here are some interesting off-court facts.

21. Spike Lee, a die-hard Knicks fan, often engaged in verbal sparring with Michael Jordan during games.

22. The rivalry has been featured in several documentaries, including ESPN's "The Last Dance," which chronicles the Bulls' 1997-98 season.

23. Both teams have large, passionate fan bases that contribute to the intensity of their matchups.

24. The rivalry has inspired numerous books, including "Blood on the Horns" by Roland Lazenby, which details the Bulls' 1997-98 season.

25. The Knicks and Bulls have both undergone significant rebuilds in recent years, adding a new chapter to their rivalry.

Modern-Day Matchups

While the rivalry's peak was in the 1990s, modern-day matchups still generate excitement. Here are some recent facts.

26. The Knicks and Bulls faced off in the 2020-21 season, with the Knicks winning two out of three games.

27. Julius Randle, the Knicks' star forward, has emerged as a key player in recent matchups against the Bulls.

28. Zach LaVine, the Bulls' high-flying guard, has had several standout performances against the Knicks.

29. The 2021-22 season saw the Bulls and Knicks both make the playoffs for the first time in several years, reigniting their rivalry.

30. The Knicks and Bulls continue to be two of the most popular teams in the NBA, with their games often featured on national television.

The Final Buzzer

Knicks vs. Bulls games have given us some unforgettable moments. From Michael Jordan's legendary performances to the fierce rivalry of the '90s, these matchups are etched in NBA history. The Knicks, with their gritty defense, and the Bulls, with their high-flying offense, always bring out the best in each other. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love basketball, this rivalry offers something special.

Remember, it's not just about the wins and losses. It's about the passion, the drama, and the sheer excitement of watching two iconic teams battle it out. So next time the Knicks and Bulls face off, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show. This rivalry isn't just a game; it's a piece of basketball history that continues to thrill fans around the world.