Chicago Bulls suffer 20-point rout at the hands of Oklahoma City in season-opener

This was not how the Bulls wanted to start their season.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls opened their season in lackadaisical fashion, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder at home, 124-104. The Bulls were within striking distance in the fourth, down by seven, 91-84, when the Thunder rattled off 11 straight points to build an 18-point advantage with nine minutes remaining in the game. 

The Bulls were not able to threaten the Thunder after that difference-making run. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 20 points and five rebounds but shot just 9-of-20 from the field. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine was saddled with foul trouble, finishing with just 16 points, all of which came after halftime.

Coby White had 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists in his debut as the Bulls’ starting point guard. However, he missed 10 of his 14 shots. Nikola Vucevic scored 11 points and grabbed nine boards.

Not the start we wanted.
Back at home on Friday vs. Toronto. pic.twitter.com/s4R7upOzbH

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 26, 2023

Second half slump

Down by just one, 79-78, the Bulls fell prey to a Thunder surge late in the third quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sparked a 12-0 run, scoring seven in that stretch to raise their lead to 91-78. The All-NBA player finished with 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting. He also had 10 assists, five rebounds, a steal, and two blocked shots.

Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams added 16 apiece for OKC. Chet Holmgren chipped in 11 points in his rookie debut after missing all of last season because of a foot injury.

Not enough heart

LaVine, who played sparingly in the first half after being called for three fouls, said the team has to play with more heart and composure, especially when their opponents go on runs.

“I don't feel like we played with enough heart. And that's on us. It’s unacceptable. I don’t think it’s a thing people do on purpose either. But we gotta come together during those (opponent) runs,” LaVine said.

Chicago will try for their first win of the season when they host the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

VOOOOOOOOOOOOCH.@NBCSChicago | @NikolaVucevic pic.twitter.com/HbzQ6GwPTQ

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 26, 2023

The Chicago Bulls plan to use offensive rebounding as their main weapon this season