| |
|
NBA -- Bulls weather Thunder in OKC
By Anthony Rozic
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 27 Dec 2015
CHICAGO -- Despite an up and down season marred by inconsistent play and injuries, the Chicago Bulls had plenty to cheer on Christmas Day.
Jimmy Butler swished 23 points while Pau Gasol, a steady force in this trying season, served up 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls stunned the OKC Thunder, 105-96, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
Entering the contest on the heels of a three-game losing streak, the Bulls demonstrated the effort that was lacking in previous outings. They outrebounded the Thunder 53-48 and produced 22 assists.
Derrick Rose made only 7-of-18 shots but the former MVP managed 19 points while Taj Gibson pitched in 13 points and 10 rebounds as Chicago improved to 16-11, second behind the 19-8 Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division.
"I think we did a really good job of making sure we closed out to 3-point shooters. We trusted the game plan. We know K.D. is a great 3-point shooter, Morrow and Westbrook when his feet are set, and you just can't let them get hot. Everybody else on the team, we forced them to make shots and make plays," Rose told NBA.com.
Kevin Durant finished with a game-high 29 points and his sidekick Russell Westbrook came in with 26 points and eight assists, but the Thunder, who saw their 8-game home winning streak broken, made only 37 of 96 field goals (38.5 percent) and 6-of-24 from long distance (25 percent).
Despite the loss, the 20-10 Thunder remained on top of the Northwest Division and third overall in the Western Conference.
Photo: Taj Gibson scored 13 points and 10 rebounds to help the Bulls derail the OKC Thunder, 105-96, on Christmas Day.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Anthony Rozic.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Jul 2026Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
, Tue, 14 Jul 2026Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
, Mon, 13 Jul 2026Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 20261st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
, Sun, 12 Jul 2026Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
, Sat, 11 Jul 2026LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev drives global combat sports expansion with historic wrestling partnership with RAF
, Sat, 11 Jul 2026July 14th Fight Card Featuring Hasim Rahman Moved to Tuesday, August 18th at ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York
, Sat, 11 Jul 2026Sem Japet Enano scores another Upset in Brisbane, Stops Tyler Blizzard in 7th
, Fri, 10 Jul 2026WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Gabriel Santisima set to defend title tomorrow in Malungon, Sarangani Province
, Fri, 10 Jul 2026BiYu Promotions Launches "Fights Under the Lights" with Star-Studded Card Featuring the Return of the Grandy Twins
, Fri, 10 Jul 2026Full card set for ProBoxTV on July 18 in San Bernardino
, Fri, 10 Jul 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
