CHICAGO -- The Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a 109-86 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday by beating the Chicago Bulls, 97-85, Monday night at the United Center.
The Thunder neutralized the defensive-minded Bulls by shooting 31 of 75 from the field and a high 13 of 25 from 3-point country. Oklahoma, which improved to 49-18 and third-best in the NBA overall, also made 22 of 28 free throws.
Chicago tried gallantly to keep pace with the free-wheeling Thunder but the Bulls made only 29 of 84 field goals, including just 5-for-21 on 3s. The Bulls closed the gap at 76-75 in the final 10:01 of the fourth quarter but OKC responded with a 13-0 run to ice the contest.
All-Star Kevin Durant had yet another stellar performance finishing with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Durant made scoring 35 look seemingly effortless as he continued his streak of games with at least 25 points to 32. The streak is the longest since Michael Jordan did it in 40 in a row with the Bulls in the 86-87 season.
Russell Westbrook added 17 and nine assists for the Thunder while Serge Ibaka chipped in 15.
Taj Gibson led the Bulls with 16 and Jimmy Butler added 13. Joakim Noah finished with nine points and 12 boards.
The Bulls fell to 37-29, fourth place in the Eastern Conference. (JR)
Photo: Kevin Durant ((R) exploded for 35 points in the Thunder's 97-85 win over the Bulls at the united Center.
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