CHICAGO -- The Golden State Warriors showed their might as defending champions on Monday night and blew the Chicago Bulls out of their own building with a crushing 149-124 rout before a capacity crowd of 21,076 at the United Center.
Klay Thompson led the Monday night invasion (Tuesday AM in the Philippines) with 52 points, including 14 made triples, an NBA record that surpassed teammate Steph Currry's previous mark of 13. Thompson went 18-of-29 from the field and logged just 26 minutes and 33 seconds of action.
"I just knew I was die for a big night," Thompson told reporters in a post-game presser at the United Center's media room.
Adding to Chicago's woes was the fact that the Warriors' two other stars weren't just worthless participants as Steph Curry and Kevin Durant combined for 37 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Alfonzo McKinnie had 19 while Quinn Cook added 16 for the Warriors, who converted 24 of 45 from 3-point range.
Zach LaVine had 21 for the Bulls while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 18. Cameron Payne and Jabari Parker lcontributed 15 apiece but Chicago couldn't find its spark offensively, shooting just 11 of 35 from long distance while missing 13 free throws. After opening up with a 44-28 first quarter lead the Warriors blew things wide open with a 92-50 halftime lead.
The Bulls fell to 2-5 for the season and sank to 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Warriors are currently tops in the Western Conference with a 7-1 slate, just slightly behind the 7-0 Milwaukee for the best overall record in the NBA.
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