The Chicago Bulls (16 - 11) defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder (20 - 10) 105 - 96 on Friday afternoon. Chicago came out sharp and jumped to a 32 - 26 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Thunder fought back and finished the half on a 15 - 3 run that brought it to 54 - 52 at halftime. Despite a few quick runs by the Thunder, the Bulls managed to hold the lead the entire game. The Bulls doubled up the Thunder with a 32 - 16 third quarter and cruised to the finish from there. Jimmy Butler led the Bulls in scoring, with 23 points (9 - 20 FG), along with six rebounds, four assists and four steals, in 42 minutes. Pau Gasol tallied a solid double - double with 21 points (8 - 16 FG, 5 - 6 FT) and 13 rebounds. Gasol also dished six assists and blocked two shots, in 37 minutes. Taj Gibson also tallied a double - double, with 13 points (6 - 8 FG) and 10 rebounds, along with two assists, two blocks and one steal, in 34 minutes. The Bulls grabbed 53 rebounds, a testament to the intensity and focus that they maintained throughout the game. They also shot 90 percent from the free throw line, hitting 18 - 20 as a team. Kevin Durant put on a stellar performance and was leaning toward a triple - double after he did everything he could to help his team, yet it was not enough to get over the hump. Durant finished with 29 points (11 - 21 FG, 1 - 6 3Pt, 6 - 6 FT), nine rebounds and seven assists, in 42 minutes. Russell Westbrook struggled shooting, going 9 - 23 from the field, 1 - 7 from long range and 7 - 13 from the free throw line, on his way to 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Westbrook grabbed an impressive six steals, however his six turnovers nullified that hard work on defense. Enes Kanter put up solid numbers in 25 minutes off the bench, finishing with 14 points (6 - 12 FG) and 13 rebounds. With this loss, the Thunder are now 6 - 8 versus the East. Next the Thunder will host the Nuggets on Sunday. The Bulls will be right back in action with a game on Saturday in Dallas.
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