Chicago Bulls: Season Openers in The Last Five Years

Oct 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) reacts after scoring a basket next to New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15: Bulls trounce Carmelo and the Knicks to start the year

Two summers ago, Carmelo Anthony was a free agent. One of the suitors for his service was the Chicago Bulls. Anthony’s free agency meeting with the Bulls became an event in itself.

Despite a good push from the Bulls — with many thinking the best place for Anthony was Chicago — Anthony stayed in Manhattan and signed a huge new deal to stay with the New York Knicks.

Call it what you will, but the Bulls took no prisoners in the season opener against the Knicks last season. The Bulls had six scorers in double figures, led by Taj Gibson (22 points) and the newly-acquired Pau Gasol (21 points), and flattened the Knicks, 104-80.

Gasol signed a three-year deal with the Bulls after Anthony turned down the Bulls and rejuvenated his career last season. Along with big nights from Gibson and Gasol, the season opener was the first regular season game for Derrick Rose since tearing his meniscus in November of the previous season. Rose scored 13 points on 3-of-7 shooting in over 21 minutes of game action.

Next: 2013-14: Bulls travel to South Beach to take on the champs