The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls, 109-106, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday night.

The Bulls (10-19) have proven far from an effective road team this season, but that was far from evident during a standout first quarter during which they outscored the Thunder (12-14) by a 37-16 margin. Oklahoma City was much better in the middle periods, however, shaving eight points off their original 21-point deficit going into the final quarter. They continued to progressively chip away at Chicago's advantage, and after the visitors had made a late comeback from a four-point deficit to knot the game at 106, OKC clinched the win with a trio of free throws by Steven Adams (one) and Chris Paul (two).

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 39 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Lauri Markkanen provided 13 points, three boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Ryan Arcidiacono generated matching 12-point tallies, with Carter also pulling down nine rebounds. Tomas Satoransky furnished 11 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Paul paced the Thunder with 30 points and complemented them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Danilo Gallinari delivered 22 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder turned in 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Terrance Ferguson supplied 12 points, while Adams mustered nine points but also pulled down 11 rebounds.

The Bulls remain on the road and face off with the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, while the Thunder remain home and face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.