OKC Thunder player grades for ugly loss to Chicago Bulls

The OKC Thunder lost in exhilarating fashion, as the Bulls overcame a 22-point deficit in the third and won 105-103. Player grades provide the highlights.

Last night’s game had all the feeling of a regular-season matchup as Billy Donovan and the Chicago Bulls beat the OKC Thunder for the second time this week in an exciting finish as Frank Jackson missed the chance for a game winning 3-point basket.

The Thunder were able to go with a more steady lineup that OKC fans should expect to see in the regular season. Aleksej Pokusevski had a more improved night as he looked balanced on the offensive end.

The game had a great pace from the jump as both teams were playing at a frenetic pace.

OKC was exceptional from 3-point land, shooting at almost a 40 percent clip, whereas Chicago was only able to muster up 25 percent from the 3-point line. The defensive effort for OKC on the perimeter was much improved from the previous outing with Chicago.

Oklahoma City almost looked like they had the game in hand after halftime as they were still able to get out in transition and find easier ways to score out on the break. Chicago was still able to get more accomplished in the paint than Oklahoma City, however, and this will prove to be the Thunders Achilles heal throughout the season.

Al Horford had another monster performance as he was Oklahoma City’s high scoring man for a second night in a row, scoring 17 points while going 6-9 from the field.

OKC just was not able to withstand the run from the Bulls in the fourth quarter as a late free throw by Chandler Hutchinson sealed Oklahoma City’s fate.

Although it was a rough outing for the team, they are back at it this coming Wednesday facing the Houston Rockets.

Let’s take a look at our player grades for the night: