"With heavy criticism swirling that he didn't try anything to stop the bleeding in Monday's 35-point collapse to the Kings -- a double team of Tyreke Evans, an extended rotation -- Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro changed a lot Tuesday against the Knicks.

He benched John Salmons and Brad Miller to start the second half. He played nine players in the first quarter.

"I probably could have gotten somebody in there a little earlier (Monday) night when we had the lead," Del Negro said. "It's something to learn from and get better at. We've also struggled when we've had leads, so I always want to go with our better players.

"But managing that a little better is something I need to do. I need to find ways to get some other guys minutes so maybe we do have an extra burst in the fourth quarter."

Salmons and Miller certainly were rested for the fourth. Salmons, replaced by Kirk Hinrich, didn't enter until 3 minutes, 7 seconds remained in the third. Miller, replaced by Taj Gibson, didn't play until 23.3 seconds remained."