Kevin Durant scored 30 points, Russell Westbrook added 28 and the Oklahoma City Thunder's defense took over in the fourth quarter for a 106-95 victory over the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night in the season opener for both clubs.
Durant made just 9-of-24 shots and committed six turnovers, but the scoring champ and Westbrook were a combined 23-of-26 from the line with 17 rebounds, nine assists and five steals.
Along with the defensive play of Thabo Sefolosha, the duo sparked a late 11-0 run that put away the game. The contest was tied after three quarters, but the Thunder held the Bulls to 11 points in the final 12 minutes.
Chicago point guard Derrick Rose, who played alongside Durant as Team USA won the World Championships in Turkey this summer, had 28 points but needed 31 shots. He added six assists.
Joakim Noah had 18 points and 19 rebounds for the Bulls, who played without injured newcomer Carlos Boozer. The former Utah Jazz power forward is out four to five weeks with a broken bone in his right hand.
The Thunder had a 59-54 lead at halftime as Jeff Green, Durant and Westbrook combined for 44 points to offset 20 by Rose.
Chicago | Oklahoma City | |
Derrick Rose 28 | Scoring | Kevin Durant 30 |
Derrick Rose 6 | Assists | Russell Westbrook 6 |
Joakim Noah 19 | Rebounds | Russell Westbrook 10 |
Joakim Noah 4 | Free Throws Made | Russell Westbrook 12 |
Taj Gibson 2 | Steals | Kevin Durant 3 |
Joakim Noah 2 | Blocks | Serge Ibaka 4 |
Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
Chicago | 95 | 43.0 | 2-14 | 13-22 | 21 | 51 | 6 | 6 | 15 |
Oklahoma City | 106 | 41.0 | 4-18 | 38-47 | 17 | 44 | 10 | 11 | 12 |