Bulls LOSE 69-101 behind Westbrook hustle, triple-double (1-4; 77)

Thunder batters Bulls 101-69 behind Westbrook hustle, triple-double | News OK

CHICAGO — In the Thunder's 101-69 blowout of the Bulls on Saturday, the Thunder didn't look like it was coming off the second night of a back-to-back or a turbulent plane ride that ended with the nose of its Boeing 757 caved in. The Thunder looked whole against a patchwork one-win Bulls squad. The Thunder had just two wins to its name entering the United Center, but was positively dominant against Chicago a night after getting battered on the boards and out-hustled in Minnesota.

Russell Westbrook would have none of that.

....He proceed to spank the Bulls with a triple double....

....and Chicago quit fighting back.

Westbrook's latest stroke of history was a piece of the larger picture as the Thunder finds its footing. After he helped stretch the Thunder's lead from 10 to 19 in less than three minutes in the second quarter, the United Center crowd gasped as Westbrook set the permanent tone, skying over Chicago's front court for an offensive rebound.

The Bulls really did quit trying.

In the same quarter, Westbrook immediately knew his second free throw attempt was short, so he sprinted up the lane to beat the Bulls to the ball.

Many of the Bulls are young and likely to not have long careers.  Chicago is rebuilding with a roster designed to compete hard but lacking the talent and experience to win.

If you're a guy on this team playing at home and quit; stop hustling, when a made man, a guy with a massive 200M contract is out working you ... what are you doing in the NBA?

There's a line of guys ready to step in ASAP.  Time to go home.

Hawks lose to Bulls, fall to 1-4; Bull notch first win (1-3; 78)

Atlanta news saw this as a battle of losers.  The Bulls win their first game while both team's rookies continue to impress.

Hawks lose to Bulls, fall to 1-4

CHICAGO — In a matchup of two teams more concerned at the moment with lottery balls than the wins column, the Hawks (1-4) came out on the losing end, falling to the Bulls 91-86 Thursday night.

For a pair of teams that have emphasized ball movement over individual scoring, it wasn’t a pretty offensive affair. Both teams finished the night shooting under 40 percent from the field — Atlanta shot 39.3 percent while Chicago shot 36.5 percent.

Hawks' Rookie big man John Collins scored 13 points, his third consecutive game scoring in double figures.

Bull's Lauri Markkanen sealed the win with a three-pointer with 48 seconds remaining on his way to 14 points and 13 rebounds.

In Cleveland Lauri emerged.  Tonight Lauri showed he can take and make the big shot -- even when having an off shooting night.

Cavs comeback from double digit deficit to beat Bulls 119-112 (0-3); 79

LeBron saved the Cavs. at home.  The Bulls played well; looked good.

Lauri Markkanen impressed LeBron James.

RECAP | Cleveland Cavaliers complete double-digit comeback, beat Chicago Bulls 119-112 | WKYC.com

CLEVELAND - Despite falling behind by double-digits in the first quarter, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed a second-half comeback over the Chicago Bulls, picking up a 119-112 victory to advance to 3-1 on the season on Tuesday night.

"Very confident," James said of Markkanen. "Watched him a lot at Arizona. Watched him a lot. He wore my shoe a couple times ... he wore my retro Brons a couple times. I like that. I had to stay up very late to watch those Arizona games. A very confident kid, shoot the heck out of the ball. He's going to continue to get better. The best thing about it is he's getting an opportunity. If he makes mistakes, he can learn on the fly, but he's going to play a lot. He's good. It seems like he's learning. He's a good player."

This is the game we learned Larui Markkanen is for real.  He's skilled, confident and respected.