Thunder Beat Bulls Despite Missing Stars

0:00The latest scores, headlines, and storylines, right here on NBA News today, subscribe and stay game ready. The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Chicago Bulls, 116-108 on Monday night. Despite missing key stars, like shy Gilges Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein, the defending champs held on after a sloppy start. The Bulls stay competitive for most of the game, especially early on. Both team shot poorly in the first quarter, combining for just 15-47 from the field. Chicago's big men stepped up big time against Oklahoma City's thin front court. Gwareshan Yabosele exploded for 15 points and 8 rebounds in the first half alone, his best shooting half-ever. Meanwhile, Nick Riches took over after half-time with 12 points and 13 rebounds helping the Bulls avoid a blowout. He brought the physicality Chicago has lacked up front for years. Officials noted that Thunder's supporting cast looked out of sync without their usual depth. Late in the third quarter, things turned for Chicago with

1:04twisted ankles, sidelineing Josh Gidey and Mata's Bozellis. Gidey tried to return but couldn't, and Bozellis never came back. That let Oklahoma City build a 16-point lead heading into the fourth. Standout Bulls included Colin Sexton with 20 points off the bench and Gidey nearly triple-doubling at 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. For a struggling team, hanging tough against the champs feels like progress even in defeat. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor, see the description, relax deeper, reset faster, comfort you can hear, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.