CHICAGO – – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points, Chet Holmgren added 21 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Chicago 114-95 in the Bulls’ home opener on Saturday.

Jalen Williams added 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Zach LaVine had 22 points and nine rebounds for Chicago. Nikola Vucevic added 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Josh Giddey finished with 14 points and seven rebounds in his first game against the Thunder since an offseason trade to Chicago for Alex Caruso. Oklahoma City granted his request for treatment after his role in the playoffs was reduced.

Caruso, a popular player during his three seasons with the Bulls, received a standing ovation and waved to the crowd during an early timeout. He checked into the game late in the first quarter and finished with three points in 22 minutes.

Takeaways

Thunder: The Thunder are looking good through two games after taking the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last year. There was no disappointment against Chicago after beating the Nuggets 102-87 in a key game to start the season. Oklahoma City and Denver both finished 57-25 last season, with the Thunder earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference thanks to a tiebreaker.

Bulls: Chicago never found a rhythm after rolling past Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday. The Bulls shot 34.8% overall and made just 15 of 53 three-pointers.

Key moment

The Thunder closed the first half on a 22-3 run and took a 59-39 lead into the locker room.

Key stat

The Bulls cooled off significantly from three-point range after making 21 of 47 against Milwaukee. Coming off a 35-point goal, Coby White was 0-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Next

The Thunder host Atlanta on Sunday and the Bulls visit Memphis on Monday. ——

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba