The Oklahoma City Thunder’s remarkable season just got a whole lot more remarkable. A dominant 145-117 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night was their 10th in a row. That puts them firmly among the NBA’s elite teams. And with 49 double-digit wins and a 28-1 record against Eastern Conference opponents, they’re proving they belong in that company.
That game was a clinic from start to finish. The Thunder showed off their offense and defense in perfect harmony. Let’s take a look at what made that lopsided victory so special.
Thunder’s Offensive Explosion
The Thunder’s offense was firing on all cylinders. They hit 23 three-pointers and shot above 50% from beyond the arc for the sixth time this season. That kind of efficiency—and the energy that came with it—drove their second-highest point total of the year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge. He scored 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including two perfect three-point attempts and seven made free throws. He also dished out a season-high 12 assists and added two blocks. That’s all-around dominance.
Isaiah Joe had a career night. He scored 31 points on just 17 shots, draining eight of 14 three-pointers. That kind of sharpshooting gave Oklahoma City the spark they needed to pull away early. And Jalen Williams contributed 23 points, hitting four triples and adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals in just 25 minutes.
Spreading the floor and knocking down shots kept the Bulls on their heels all night. The Thunder’s offense just wouldn’t let up.
Bulls’ Struggles Against OKC’s Top Defense
Chicago’s offense never got going thanks to the Thunder’s top defense. Bulls guard Coby White, who had scored 20+ in 15 straight, was held to 7 points on 2-5 and 4 turnovers. The Bulls shot 6-20 in the 1st quarter and 9-10 on 3’s during that stretch.
Oklahoma City’s defense set the tone early, forcing 14 turnovers and 35.7% 3pt shooting. The Bulls just couldn’t keep up.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
The Thunder got off to a bit of a rocky start, but Isaiah Joe lit the fuse when he came off the bench. His two quick triples and a turnaround jumper gave Oklahoma City its first double-digit lead—and that was late in the first quarter.
By halftime, the Thunder had built a 74-40 lead that was all but insurmountable. A key 11-0 run—fueled by Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein—sealed the deal for Chicago. Hartenstein’s dunk over Nikola Vucevic was a highlight of the second quarter. That powerful, acrobatic play—and the back-to-back floaters he threw in for good measure—really put the Bulls on their heels.
The Bulls pushed hard in the fourth quarter, but the damage was done. The Thunder had already pulled their starters with nearly two minutes left in the third. That was the signal that this one was all but over. The rout was complete.
Statistical Breakdown: Thunder vs. Bulls
Here’s how the numbers stacked up:
| Statistic | Thunder | Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 145 | 117 |
| 2-Pointers | 29-for-55 | 28-for-47 |
| 3-Pointers | 23-for-43 | 16-for-51 |
| Free Throws | 18-for-23 | 13-for-16 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 19 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 9 | 10 |
The Thunder’s superior shooting and ball movement were evident throughout, as they capitalized on Chicago’s miscues and inefficiencies.
What’s Next for the Thunder?
The Thunder will be wrapping up their Eastern Conference schedule this week. That means Wednesday, April 2, at 8:30 p.m. CST is game night against the Detroit Pistons. You can bet the energy will be high in Oklahoma City as the Thunder looks to keep its winning streak going—and that momentum rolling right into the playoffs.