The Oklahoma City Thunder erupted in the second half Friday night, using a massive 22-0 run to blow past the Chicago Bulls 131-113.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 25 points, extending his remarkable streak to 134 consecutive games with at least 20 points. It wasn’t his most efficient night—he shot just 8-of-24 from the field—but his teammates stepped up as Oklahoma City shot 46.5% overall.
Cason Wallace added 21 points, while Jalen Williams made a strong return in his first home game since Jan. 13, finishing with 18 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. The Thunder were without All-Star big man Chet Holmgren, who sat out with a bruised right hip, but didn’t miss a beat.
Chicago controlled much of the first half, led by Collin Sexton, who scored 16 of his 22 points before the break to help the Bulls take a 67-62 lead into halftime. Tre Jones added 21 points and Isaac Okoro chipped in 20, but the offense stalled dramatically after the break.
The game turned in the third quarter. A three-pointer from Jaylin Williams gave Oklahoma City an 89-88 edge before the Thunder caught fire, closing the period on a 15-0 run. That momentum carried into the fourth, extending to a 22-0 burst that ballooned the lead to 102-80, with Chicago going nearly seven minutes without scoring.
Former Thunder guard Josh Giddey struggled against his old team, finishing with just five points on 1-of-11 shooting, though he did record 11 assists.
The win was crucial for Oklahoma City as it looks to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs. The Thunder began the night two games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the tiebreaker, with the regular season winding down.
Up next: the Bulls travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, while the Thunder return home to host the New York Knicks on Sunday.
