Thunder Use 22-0 Run to Defeat Bulls 131-113

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 25 points as Oklahoma City rallies in second half

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Chicago Bulls 131-113 on Friday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points, while Cason Wallace added 21. Oklahoma City used a dominant 22-0 run in the second half to pull away from the Bulls, who were led by 22 points from Collin Sexton.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Thunder as they try to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs. Oklahoma City entered the night two games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs for the final playoff spot, with the Spurs holding the tiebreaker. The Thunder were also playing their first home game in over two months with the return of Jalen Williams, a 2025 All-Star who had missed most of the past two months with an injury.

The details

The Thunder overcame a 67-62 halftime deficit by chipping away at the Bulls' lead in the third quarter. A 3-pointer by Jaylin Williams put Oklahoma City up 89-88, and the Thunder closed the quarter on a 15-0 run to take a 95-88 lead into the fourth. Oklahoma City then opened the fourth quarter with a 22-0 run to blow the game open, leading 102-80 at one point.

  • The Thunder were coming off a loss at Boston that followed a 12-game win streak.
  • Jalen Williams was playing his first home game since Jan. 13 after missing most of the past two months with a bruised right hip.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's leading scorer, who has now scored at least 20 points in 134 consecutive games.

Cason Wallace

A Thunder player who added 21 points to help offset Gilgeous-Alexander's off shooting night.

Jalen Williams

A 2025 All-Star for the Thunder who was playing his first home game since Jan. 13 after missing most of the past two months with an injury.

Collin Sexton

The Bulls' leading scorer with 22 points.

Josh Giddey

The former Thunder guard who struggled, scoring just 5 points on 1-of-11 shooting with 5 turnovers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Thunder's resilience and ability to overcome a halftime deficit with a dominant second-half performance. The return of Jalen Williams also provided a boost for Oklahoma City as they continue their push for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.