Chandler’s Big Game Can’t Carry Knicks Past Chicago

Chandler, the Knicks sophomore sensation, not only lit up the Bulls for 26 points in Tuesday’s 110-103 loss but he showed that he’s not afraid to be the go-to guy down the stretch.

Playing in front of family members and friends who made the short trip from his hometown of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Chandler used a variety of creative moves to the basket and jumpers to show once again just how good he can be. He also did a little bit of the dirty work on both ends of the floor, racking up five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals.

“I thought Wilson was outstanding,” D’Antoni said. “He continues to get better on defense, offense and everything. He was really good tonight.”

Chandler finished the game 11-for-15 from the field and made all four of his 3-pointers, including a bomb from downtown to get the Knicks within one with 22.1 seconds remaining after trailing by as many as 10 in the fourth quarter.

Moments later, it was Chicago-native and fellow DePaul Alumi Quentin Richardson who took the potential game-tying three in the closing seconds, which was blocked by Tyrus Thomas.

The Knicks played like a determined team throughout the night despite already being eliminated from playoff contention. But after leading by five early in the fourth quarter, the Knicks had a few costly turnovers and watched Chicago go on a 15-0 run. New York never recovered.

“They’re not very strong inside compared to other teams we play, but they’re quick defensively on the perimeter and got their hands on some passes,” David Lee said after the Knicks turned the ball over seven times in the final 12 minutes.

Al Harrington scored 23 and Richardson had 17 for the Knicks, who shot 50 percent from the field and an incredible 56.5 percent from beyond the arc. Kirk Hinrich led a balanced Bulls attack with 25 points.

The Knicks were unable to ruin the Bulls’ postseason run two nights after knocking the Raptors out of the playoff picture. Chicago moved a half-game ahead of Detroit and remains three games ahead of Charlotte in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks will have another opportunity to play the spoilers on Wednesday night, when the Rip Hamilton and the Pistons make their final visit to Madison Square Garden.