Returning home did not cure the Oklahoma City Thunder’s losing streak as the team dropped its sixth straight game after playing a grueling four-game road trip, the longest of the season to date. The comforts of playing in Paycom Center for the first time in nine days were not enough to get a win for the first time in 11 days.
But the fact that the Thunder were able to turn a once-28-point deficit into just a one-point loss is an impressive feat on its own and continues the theme of the season that this team does not give up and continues to fight regardless of what the scoreboard says.
What makes this even more impressive is that the context of this game gave the Thunder even more justified reasons if they were to lose by double digits. The Thunder have played a lot of games recently — 11 games in 21 days — didn’t mix well with the fact that the 29-17 Chicago Bulls are fighting for the first seed and are one of the better teams in the NBA.
The Bulls welcomed back Zach LaVine after missing the last 10 days due to injury and contributed with 23 points and seven assists. The Bulls had three players who scored over 20 points this game in LaVine (23 points), Nikola Vucevic (26 points) and rookie Ayo Dosunmu (a career-high 23 points).
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way — like he usually does — with a 31 point and 10 assist double double.
Overall, this was an exciting and encouraging loss for the Thunder. There’s no shame in losing to one of the best teams in the league by just one point. Especially when it happens after the Thunder nearly made a 28-point comeback on tired legs. Great performance and now the Thunder get a chance to rest for a bit as their next game is not until Friday. Let’s take a look at player grades.
