The Chicago Bulls saw Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook score 43 points on Thursday night, but they were able to rally in the fourth for the win.
Westbrook’s streak of consecutive triple-doubles came to an end at four after he put up 43 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in another spectacular performance, but this time in was in a losing cause as E’Twaun Moore drilled a late three-pointer to cap the Bulls’ comeback.
The Thunder still had time to win the game but Westbrook stepped out of bounds after taking the inbounds pass while he also faltered down the stretch prior to that as the OKC suffered a disappointing loss.
Moore finished the game with 19 points off the bench, while Nikola Mirotic continued his fine form in recent games with 26 points along with eight rebounds.
Pau Gasol and Mike Dunleavy had 21 points apiece while Joakim Noah added just four points, but also 12 rebounds and nine assists as the Bulls found a way to win without the likes of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.
The win improves Chicago to 39-23 for the season as they move into second spot in the East. Meanwhile, the Thunder slip to 34-28 as the race for the playoffs in the Western Conference continues to take twists and turns with the New Orleans Pelicans now just a half-game behind them.
In the only other game of the night, the Portland Trail Blazers comfortably overcame the Dallas Mavericks with Nicolas Batum putting up 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
Rajon Rondo responded with 10 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough to deny Portland who won their fifth straight to improve to 41-19 for the season.
NBA Results
Oklahoma City Thunder 105-108 Chicago Bulls
Dallas Mavericks 75-94 Portland Trail Blazers
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