Knicks Rout Bulls 135-105 in Knecht Debut

New York's Dalton Knecht made his Knicks debut Friday in a 135-105 win over Chicago at Madison Square Garden.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball

Knicks Rout Bulls 135-105 in Knecht Debut

The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 135-105 on Friday at Madison Square Garden, with Dalton Knecht making his debut for New York. Knecht scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 16 minutes.

Why it matters

Knecht joined the Knicks on a two-way contract signed October 23 after Los Angeles waived him while Bronny James remained on the Lakers roster. The debut also drew attention after LeBron James commented 'YESSIR!!!' on Knecht's Instagram post, prompting fan criticism tied to Knecht's exit from the Lakers.

The Knicks won 135-105, with Knecht producing 10 points and 7 rebounds across 16 minutes of play. Whether these numbers signal a lasting rotation role has not been established after one game.

The players

Dalton Knecht

Dalton Knecht is a basketball player who was drafted in the first round and made his New York Knicks debut in this game.

LeBron James

LeBron James is a longtime NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers player whose Instagram comment on Knecht's post drew fan attention.

The details

Knecht signed a two-way contract with New York on October 23 after Los Angeles waived him. Fans argued LeBron James played a role in Knecht's departure from the Lakers, a claim the extraction does not confirm.

October 23: Knecht signs two-way contract with the Knicks.
Friday: Knecht makes his Knicks debut in a 135-105 win over the Bulls.

Season Trajectory

Knecht's arrival follows the Lakers' 2025 decision to draft both him and Bronny James in the same year, then release Knecht while keeping Bronny. His two-way deal places him on the Knicks' developmental path as New York begins its season.

Knecht's two-way status means he can move between the Knicks and their affiliate, which affects how often New York fans see him in person. Fantasy managers tracking Knicks depth should note his 10-point, 7-rebound debut in 16 minutes.

The takeaway

Knecht's debut shows how a late-round path can lead to a real opportunity, and fans should watch his minutes in coming games to gauge his role. Roster moves like two-way deals often shape a team's depth more than a single strong performance.