Thunder journal: Heated scuffle breaks out in Thunder’s win over Bulls
A scuffle in the third quarter of the Thunder’s 121-96 win over the Bulls at Chesapeake Energy Arena resulted in two sets of double technical fouls and Chicago coach Jim Boylen pulling Thunder forward
Jerami Grant out of the fray in a headlock.
“I’m just trying to get people out of the way,” Boylen said. “I saw him come across the court and into the pile. I have nothing against Grant. I’m just trying to get him out of the way. I could tell he was upset. I’m just trying to help, just trying to help guys. There’s no — as a coach, you’re kind of looking out for everybody.”
The whole thing appeared to arise from jostling between Russell Westbrook and Bulls guard Kris Dunn.
“Man,” Westbrook said when asked if he was surprised that he received a technical before stopping himself. “Sorry. Next question.”
Away from the ball, Westbrook threw up both hands as Dunn guarded him, pushing Dunn off him. Dunn responded by shoving him back. Both teams converged into one mass. Grant and Chicago center
Robin Lopez ended up near the sideline, falling into courtside seats in the scuffle. They were separated with Lopez still yelling at Grant as he smiled back.
After a review, Westbrook, Dunn, Grant and Lopez were all issued technical fouls.
Schroder gets his shot back
Thunder guard Dennis Schroder established early on that his offensive performance Monday night would be different from the Thunder’s previous two games. He sank his first two shots, a pullup jumper and a layup, on his way to 18 points. Schroder hadn’t shot 30 percent or better in OKC’s two previous games. In a 110-104 win over the Clippers on Saturday, Schroder both struggled finishing at the rim and went 0-3 from beyond the arc.
After a hot start Monday, Schroder faltered along with the rest of the second unit to start the second quarter. Seconds after starters Westbrook and Grant re-entered the game, however, Schroder splashed a 3-pointer. He finished the first half with 13 points on eight shots.
Donovan secures another year
The Thunder has exercised the fifth-year option on the contract of head coach Billy Donovan, The Oklahoman confirmed Monday.
“I’m grateful, appreciative and thankful for (owner) Mr. (Clay) Bennett and (general manager)
Sam (Presti),” Donovan said before Monday’s game. “I get a chance to coach a great group of guys. I’ve had incredible support from Sam and the people inside the organization.”
Since joining the Thunder in 2015, Donovan has a record of 168-106 and a winning percentage of .613, including three playoff appearances in three seasons. The Thunder’s exercising the fifth year on Donovan’s contract was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.