Thunder Pulls Away From Bulls For Easy Win

By ESPN

Even Russell Westbrook was impressed with the passing by Oklahoma City's big men.

Westbrook flirted with another triple-double and Steven Adams led a dominant effort in the paint, helping the Thunder pull away from the Chicago Bulls for an easy 109-94 victory Monday night.

Westbrook had 21 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds, falling just short of his 18th triple-double of the season. But his all-around performance is practically a sure thing these days.

It was the inside play of Adams and Enes Kanter that really hurt Chicago, with the big men scoring with ease or passing out of double-teams to set up their teammates.

"They do a great job of playing off each other," Westbrook said.

Adams had 22 points on 11-for-14 shooting, and Kanter finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The duo helped the Thunder to 56.6 percent shooting from the field, a 60-36 advantage on points in the paint and a 42-38 edge in rebounding.

"I thought tonight, on both ends of the floor, we played at a high level," coach Billy Donovan said.

Dwyane Wade led Chicago with 22 points, and Michael Carter-Williams had 15. Cristiano Felicio finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulls had won three in a row and five of seven, but they were no match for the Thunder with Jimmy Butler hampered by an illness. The reigning Eastern Conference player of the week had one point on 0-for-6 shooting and seven assists.

"I appreciate him coming out and giving it a shot. That says a lot about him, as a competitor, but he was really struggling, obviously," coach Fred Hoiberg said.

Butler was sent home after he left the game in the third quarter, and Hoiberg said Butler will not play Tuesday night against Washington. Wade, who turns 35 on Jan. 17, also will rest against the Wizards.

Monday, January 9 Scoreboard

New Orleans 110, New York 96

Oklahoma City 109, Chicago 94

Minnesota 101, Dallas 92

Tuesday, January 10 Schedule (All Times Central)

Chicago at Washington, 6 p.m.

Boston at Toronto, 6:30 p.m.

Atlanta at Brooklyn, 6:30 p.m.

Charlotte at Houston, 7 p.m.

Milwaukee at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Utah, 8 p.m.

Portland at Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Miami at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.

Detroit at Sacramento, 9:30 p.m.