In a hard-fought matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Chicago Bulls faced an uphill battle as their offensive woes persisted. Despite their best efforts, the Bulls fell short, succumbing to a 40-point performance from Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The final score of the game stood at Thunder 108, Bulls 98.

The Bulls' offensive struggles were evident from the opening quarter, as they missed their first six shots and took over two minutes to score their first basket, a putback by Nikola Vucevic. With an average of just 24.7 points in the first quarter, the Bulls managed a meager 14 points on 4-for-23 shooting in the opening period. Their struggles from beyond the arc were highlighted by shooting a dismal 2-for-11 and even producing two airballs. To add to their offensive woes, the Bulls committed a shot clock violation, resulting in a turnover.

The first half was no different, as the Bulls failed to score 40 points for the fourth time in their last five games. DeMar DeRozan started slowly, missing his first seven shots. The team's struggles continued inside the paint, as they managed to convert only 4 of 22 two-point attempts, a mere 18.2 percent. However, Coby White's hot shooting from beyond the arc provided a glimmer of hope, as he knocked down six three-pointers in the first half, finishing with 23 points.

White's offensive performance was complemented by Alex Caruso's consistent scoring, extending his streak of consecutive double-figure games to seven with 12 points. Caruso's improved shooting, particularly from three-point range, has been evident this season, and his confidence in taking open shots has been a significant factor in his offensive contributions.

Unfortunately, the Bulls struggled to contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defensively, as the Thunder star effortlessly scored 40 points and dished out 12 assists. Despite the efforts of Caruso and the rest of the team, the Thunder's frequent trips to the free-throw line, with 38 attempts compared to the Bulls' 17, created an insurmountable disparity in points. The Thunder converted 31 of their free throws, with Gilgeous-Alexander going an impressive 17-for-18.

Although the Bulls made valiant comeback attempts in the third quarter, tying the game twice, they ultimately faltered down the stretch. A costly shot clock violation and a subsequent basket by Gilgeous-Alexander gave the Thunder a seven-point lead with 3:39 remaining, effectively sealing the Bulls' fate.

DeMar DeRozan, despite a slow start, finished with 25 points, reaching a milestone as he became the 36th player in NBA history to surpass 22,000 points. Following the game, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan praised his team's effort and resilience, acknowledging the absence of leading scorer Zach LaVine but commending the players for their determination to fight back into the game.

Donovan emphasized the need for improved communication during defensive transitions and the importance of timely rotations to counter star players like Gilgeous-Alexander. As the Bulls reflect on this loss, they will undoubtedly focus their efforts on addressing their offensive struggles and tightening up their defensive execution in preparation for their next game.

Despite the setback, the Bulls remain determined to find their offensive rhythm and get back on track as they strive to make a mark in the highly competitive NBA season.