OKC Thunder Survive Bulls’ Hot Shooting Night For Sixth-Straight Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s star had another big night to extend the winning streak.

The Thunder beat the Chicago Bulls 116-102 thanks to a big performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder’s star guard scored 40 points and dished out 12 assists for his third double-double of the season.

While the Bulls tried to get back in the game in the final minutes, the Thunder maintained a single-digit lead for the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter. Isaiah Joe’s four-point play with 1:59 left extended the Thunder’s lead to double digits to help seal the win.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored seven points to open the third quarter and forced the Bulls to call a timeout. The Bulls responded after their deficit ballooned to 17 and tied the game later in the quarter.

Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams nailed a couple of 3-pointers to rebuild Oklahoma City’s lead. Chicago never got that close again.

Coby White led the Bulls for much of the night with 23 points, including seven makes from 3-point range. The Bulls nailed 17 3-pointers to give themselves a chance after a rough start.

Both teams were down a starter, but it affected the Bulls more than the Thunder. While Jalen Williams is an important contributor for the Thunder, Zach LaVine was the Bulls’ leading scorer coming into the game, and they missed his 21.3 points per game.

Without LaVine, the Thunder’s defense could focus on DeMar DeRozan. Mostly guarded by Lu Dort, DeRozan shot only 6-of-17 from the field, but made it up with free throws as he scored 25.

Chet Holmgren’s interior presence helped Oklahoma City get out to a big early lead. By halftime, Holmgren had nine rebounds and two blocks.

The Thunder’s big man finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds for his sixth double-double. Holmgren got up to four blocks as the Thunder set a season-high in blocks with 12.

Chicago scored just 14 points in the first quarter. Chicago’s slow starts have been an issue recently, and Oklahoma City took advantage.

The Thunder held an 11-point lead at halftime after leading by as much as 18. Joe already had 11 points on his way to 20, including five 3-pointers.

Despite shooting 4-of-22 from inside the arc, the Bulls’ outside shooting helped them stay within striking distance at halftime. White made six of the Bulls’ nine 3-pointers in the first half on his way to ending as the Bulls’ second-leading scorer.

The Thunder plays their next game on Saturday when they welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Paycom Center.

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