New York, NY (Sports Network) – Raymond Felton recorded 20 points, 12 assists and five steals and spearheaded New York’s powerful defensive effort in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks beat the Bulls, 103-95, in a Christmas showdown at Madison Square Garden.
Amare Stoudemire also had 20 points to go with 10 boards and six blocks for the Knicks, who held the Bulls to 12 fourth-quarter points in their second straight win and 21st all-time on Christmas.
This is the first time these two storied franchises have met on this holiday since 1994, and although the contest didn’t feature Michael Jordan or Patrick Ewing, both clubs showed a dazzling offensive display — that is, until the fourth quarter.
What was a high-scoring affair through three quarters — it was 85-83 — turned into a brick-laying contest in the fourth. The game was tied, 87-87, after Chicago made its first two shots in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls missed their next 12 shots to fall behind by 10.
Derrick Rose filled up the stat sheet for Chicago with 25 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals, but the Bulls were unable to atone for a 120-112 loss to New York at United Center on November 4.
Carlos Boozer added 26 points and 19 rebounds in defeat.