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Melo, Porzingis drag Knicks out of turmoil to sweep of Bulls

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Carmelo Anthony, the subject of a lot of chatter recently, leads the Knicks with 26 points in a win over Chicago Thursday.Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

Carmelo Anthony, the subject of a lot of chatter recently, leads the Knicks with 26 points in a win over Chicago Thursday.

It had been two long months since the Knicks won back-to-back games. Two months that included a coaching change, a dip in production from the prized rookie and daily questions about Carmelo Anthony’s future.

But the reeling Bulls provided a remedy for New York’s drought.

Finally, following a 106-94 victory Thursday over Chicago, the Knicks have won two straight – both against the Bulls on back-to-back nights.

Even more encouraging was the upswing from Kristaps Porzingis, who piggy-backed his revival performance Wednesday with a 19-point, 10-rebound encore Thursday.

Before this back-to-back series against the Bulls, Porzingis had zero double-doubles under Kurt Rambis.

The Knicks (30-43) have nine games remaining on another disappointing season, but it’s in the best interest for many in the organization to finish strong – including the interim coach, the seven players who can become free agents and the team president who doesn’t own a draft pick.

The Bulls (36-35), meanwhile, continued their freefall in the first season under Fred Hoiberg, falling 1 ½ games behind the Pistons for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. They allowed 221 points to the Knicks over two nights, getting outrebounded by a combined 28.

Kristaps Porzingis (r.) has a big game with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Here, he and Robin Lopez defend Bulls guard Jimmy Butler.Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

Kristaps Porzingis (r.) has a big game with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Here, he and Robin Lopez defend Bulls guard Jimmy Butler.

Thursday night was a blowout. The Knicks, who shot 51 percent, took the lead on Robin Lopez’s dunk with 8:45 remaining in the first quarter and never again trailed, leading by as many as 15. The highlight arrived early in the fourth quarter when Jose Calderon threw an alley-oop that traveled three-quarters of the court, falling in the hands of Derrick Williams for a spectacular jam. The two connected on another alley-oop jam with two minutes remaining when the Bulls had given up on defense, watching the play unfold with flat feet and exasperated looks.

Carmelo Anthony scored a team-high 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting.

For the Bulls, who’ve lost the passion they had under Tom Thibodeau, Derrick Rose led the way with 30 points in 38 minutes. Chicago is just 14-23 since beating Boston on Jan. 7.

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