The Chicago Bulls saw their losing skid grow even longer on Sunday night as they fell 105-99 to the New York Knicks, marking their ninth consecutive defeat in a season that has spiraled into frustration and inconsistency for Chicago’s young roster.

Chicago’s latest loss dropped them to a 24-34 record, further jeopardizing their hopes of climbing back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture and underscoring the mounting urgency for the Bulls to correct their recurring late-game issues before the season slips entirely out of reach.

Despite the disappointing team result, guard Isaac Okoro provided another bright spot with his continued scoring consistency, finishing the night with 12 points and six rebounds in what has quietly become one of the best stretches of his young career.

Even in defeat, Okoro extended one of the Bulls’ few ongoing positives by reaching double-digit scoring for the sixth straight game, matching his own career-best streak and showcasing an offensive reliability Chicago has desperately needed during its prolonged slump.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, this six-game stretch of double-figure scoring dates back to February 5 against the Toronto Raptors, when Okoro posted 10 points during a 123-107 road loss that began the current upswing in his offensive rhythm.

This marks the first time since May 2021 that Okoro has generated a scoring run of this caliber, with his previous double-figure streak occurring from May 7 to May 16 during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers early in his NBA career.

Okoro has appeared in 48 games so far this season and is averaging 9.1 points per game, a modest numerical total that nevertheless reflects steady improvement relative to his early-season offensive struggles and limited opportunities within Chicago’s evolving rotation.

Meanwhile, rookie forward Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 15 points, continuing his gradual development as an increasingly dependable scoring option whose size, shooting touch, and improved decision-making provide a blueprint of potential for Chicago’s future.

Buzelis finished the night by shooting 4-of-12 from the field, including a respectable 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, while converting 4-of-5 free-throw attempts, demonstrating the perimeter confidence that Chicago believes will eventually become a foundational part of his offensive identity.

Forward Jalen Smith matched Okoro’s total with 12 points and added five rebounds, providing efficient interior scoring and physical paint presence that helped stabilize the Bulls’ frontcourt production throughout the tightly contested matchup.

Chicago also received strong minutes from Guerschon Yabusele, who delivered 11 points and 13 rebounds, giving the Bulls valuable energy on the glass and an interior force that enabled them to stay competitive despite offensive inconsistencies.

Patrick Williams added 10 points and eight assists in one of his most productive playmaking outings of the season, showcasing the versatility that Chicago hopes will flourish more consistently as his offensive role continues to expand.

Still, despite strong individual efforts, the Bulls struggled in key statistical categories that ultimately defined the outcome of the game, including efficiency, ball movement, and turnover control — three areas where the Knicks excelled throughout the night.

New York shot 45 percent from the field and generated an impressive 27 assists, displaying the kind of offensive fluidity Chicago has struggled to replicate during its nine-game skid, especially during critical late-game possessions.

The Bulls, on the other hand, shot only 40 percent overall and tallied just 24 assists, failing to sustain the ball movement required to counter New York’s defensive pressure and falling victim to stagnation during several pivotal offensive sequences.

Turnovers also played a major role, with Chicago committing 17 compared to the Knicks’ 13, a disparity that contributed to Washington’s scoring runs and prevented the Bulls from building meaningful momentum at the United Center.

Chicago’s inability to execute in late-clock situations, combined with poor spacing and inconsistent shot selection, remains one of the defining weaknesses of this extended losing streak, as the Bulls continue to search for reliable offensive structure in clutch moments.

Okoro’s Recent Surge Shows Why Chicago Believes in Him

Okoro’s scoring consistency stands out as one of the few promising developments in Chicago’s recent slide, particularly given his reputation as a defensive-minded wing whose offensive game remains a work in progress.

Chicago acquired Okoro in 2025 from the Cavaliers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, believing that his defensive toughness, physicality, and ability to disrupt passing lanes would bring much-needed energy to the Bulls’ perimeter defense.

The trade was widely interpreted as a move to reinforce Chicago’s defensive identity and strengthen the team’s ability to pressure ball-handlers and contain athletic wings — areas the Bulls had struggled with during the previous two seasons.

While Okoro’s defense has remained his calling card, his recent scoring surge shows encouraging signs of offensive growth, especially with his increased willingness to attack closeouts, finish through contact, and shoot confidently from the perimeter.

His 15-point outing in Saturday’s 126-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons built upon his 16-point performance against Toronto in the Bulls’ first game back from the All-Star break, providing early indications that his rhythm is trending upward.

With Chicago struggling to find consistent production from its guard and wing positions, Okoro’s emergence as a reliable scoring option gives the team another developmental building block to lean on as the season progresses.

The Bulls’ Losing Streak Reaches Historic Territory

Sunday’s defeat marks the first time in seven years that the Bulls have lost nine straight games, a sobering milestone that reflects the challenges of a team caught between rebuilding and competing without a clearly established identity.

The last time Chicago endured a losing streak of this length came during a similarly turbulent era, when injuries, youth, and roster instability plagued the organization’s long-term growth and halted its playoff progression.

This season has followed a similar pattern, with inconsistent availability, rotational upheaval, and fluid offensive roles contributing to a cycle of progress followed by setbacks, resulting in a team unable to piece together sustained success.

The Bulls will face the Charlotte Hornets at home on Tuesday, giving them an opportunity to end their nine-game slide and reset their momentum before the season’s intensity ramps up in the weeks ahead.

Chicago remains ahead of only the Wizards and Nets in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing the Bucks and Hornets as they attempt to remain within reach of the Play-In Tournament despite their recent struggles.

The matchup against Charlotte may prove pivotal, not only for restoring confidence but also for redefining the tone of the final third of the season as the Bulls look to salvage positive growth amid an otherwise challenging campaign.

Final Thoughts

Chicago’s loss to the Knicks underscores the painful reality of their ongoing slump, but Isaac Okoro’s steady scoring and all-around development continue to shine as one of the team’s most encouraging storylines.

As the Bulls aim to end their losing streak and rebuild momentum, performances like Okoro’s — rooted in consistency, discipline, and steady improvement — provide a blueprint for the kind of identity Chicago hopes to embrace moving forward.

The road ahead remains difficult, but growth can still emerge from adversity, and Okoro’s recent stretch may mark the beginning of a new chapter for a team searching for direction and leadership during one of its most challenging stretches of the season.