On March 3, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame the challenge of playing without their reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, defeating the Chicago Bulls 116-108 at the United Center in Chicago. This win improved the Thunder’s record to 48-15, solidifying their lead at the top of the Western Conference and demonstrating their depth beyond Gilgeous-Alexander’s presence.
Key Contributors Lead Thunder’s Balanced Offensive Effort
Gilgeous-Alexander sat out to rest an abdominal strain that had already kept him sidelined much of the previous month. Despite this, the Thunder maintained strong momentum, winning six of their last seven games. Jared McCain emerged as a standout performer, scoring 20 points and making four three-pointers. He was closely supported by Isaiah Joe, who contributed 19 points, and Aaron Wiggins with 18 points. Jaylin Williams delivered a powerful double-double, recording 17 points and 16 rebounds. Cason Wallace added 17 points, while Chet Holmgren completed the well-rounded attack with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Pivotal Third Quarter Run Shifts Momentum
The game‘s turning point occurred early in the third quarter. Trailing 60-59, Chet Holmgren energized Oklahoma City with a thunderous dunk that sparked a 14-3 scoring run. The Thunder then extended their lead with an 8-2 run over the final three minutes of the quarter, highlighted by a McCain three-pointer, pushing the score to 87-76 heading into the final period.
Bulls Fight Back but Fall Short
Chicago’s Collin Sexton led his team with 20 points, including a critical late three-pointer that cut the Thunder’s lead to 112-106. Nevertheless, the Bulls could not close the gap. Guerschon Yabusele, recently acquired in a trade with New York, achieved a season-best 18 points and 12 rebounds, marking his third double-double in 11 games. The 6-foot-8 forward also made four three-pointers. Meanwhile, Josh Giddey came close to another triple-double for the Thunder, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Matas Buzelis left the court late in the third quarter after rolling his right ankle and did not return.
Bulls Unable to Extend Recent Success
After ending an 11-game losing streak with a decisive win over Milwaukee on March 1, the Bulls have regressed into their previous slump. Oklahoma City maintained control for 87% of the contest, with their largest lead reaching 19 points. ESPN Analytics highlighted the Thunder’s disciplined play, citing just nine turnovers in comparison to Chicago’s 19.
Upcoming Games to Watch
Looking ahead, the Thunder will travel to New York to face the Knicks on March 4, while the Bulls will visit the Phoenix Suns on March 5. These matchups will be critical in each team’s quest to either maintain momentum or rebound from recent struggles.
“Gilgeous-Alexander was held out to manage an abdominal strain that had already sidelined him for most of last month.”? Patrick McDermott, Getty Images Sport
