Bulls Suffer First Defeat, Spurs Lose Rookie Harper, 76ers Cruise Past Nets
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NEW YORK — An unbeaten start ended for the Chicago Bulls on Sunday as the New York Knicks rained in 20 three-pointers and claimed a 128-116 victory at Madison Square Garden.
Bulls (5-1)
The loss halted Chicago’s bid to match the franchise’s 1996-97 team for the second-best opening in club history. Guard Josh Giddey delivered his first triple-double of the season with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, yet acknowledged Chicago’s struggles with New York’s physicality. The Knicks controlled the glass, dominated at the rim and won most loose balls.
Head coach Billy Donovan said the perimeter shooting was less concerning than the breakdowns that prevented the Bulls from getting into transition. Chicago will try to regroup Tuesday when Philadelphia visits the United Center.
Spurs
In Phoenix, San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper left the Spurs’ 130-118 loss to the Suns midway through the first half after suffering a left calf injury. The 19-year-old finished with 12 points in 11 minutes before exiting and later departed Footprint Center on crutches wearing a walking boot.
Interim coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the injury involved Harper’s calf but had no timetable for his return. The Spurs were already missing De’Aaron Fox, sidelined since summer with a hamstring strain. Despite the setbacks, San Antonio opened the season 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.
76ers
Back in Philadelphia, the 76ers rebounded from a narrow loss to Boston by routing the Brooklyn Nets 129-105. Kelly Oubre Jr. poured in 29 points — 24 before halftime — pushing his season average to 19.5 points. Quentin Grimes added 22 points and a career-high 13 assists.
Playing without Joel Embiid, Philadelphia still won the rebounding battle and led by as many as 28. Veteran guard Kyle Lowry logged his first three minutes of the season in what is now his 20th NBA campaign, while rookie Johni Broome recorded his first NBA points after beginning the year inactive.
Source: Hoops Wire
