Following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s convincing 124-104 victory over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, it was clear that one team had a lot to discuss in a hastily arranged players-only meeting. Here are five notable takeaways from the game:
- SGA’s MVP Aspirations: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) showcased an MVP-worthy performance with 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting, along with five rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and two blocks. His unselfish play, combined with scoring prowess, suggests he could be a top candidate for the Kia Most Valuable Player award this season, especially if he maintains this level of play.
- Holmgren’s Debut: Chet Holmgren, the much-anticipated rookie center, finally made his NBA debut. He contributed 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 25 minutes. Holmgren’s efficient performance included successful 3-pointers and staying out of foul trouble, proving he’s ready for the NBA.
- Bulls’ Lack of Change: The Bulls’ roster remained largely unchanged from the previous season, leading to a sense of déjà vu for fans. The lack of significant offseason moves meant that familiar faces like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic couldn’t change the team’s fortunes. The season opener was reminiscent of the previous year, leaving fans wanting more.
- Contrasting Trajectories: The Thunder seem poised for an exciting season with their youthful and deep roster. Coach Mark Daigneault has instilled a defense-first approach while adding Holmgren to the mix, giving them versatility and potential. In contrast, the Bulls are facing challenges, with inconsistency and the absence of significant changes to their core lineup.
- It’s Just the Beginning: Coach Daigneault emphasized that the excitement of the first game should be kept in perspective. With the season’s vast majority still ahead, there’s no need to overreact to a single game. Both the Thunder and the Bulls have plenty of room to grow and learn from their experiences.
The players-only meeting that followed the Bulls’ opening night loss suggests they are committed to improvement. The entire season lies ahead, offering ample opportunities for teams to evolve and make their mark.
