Preseason Game 3 Recap: Bulls (3-1) def. Thunder (1-2) 105-103

John Napier -

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Official Box Score

Despite a short preseason, the Thunder may have shown us what to expect from the regular season. There will be highs (blowout win over the San Antonio Spurs) and there will be lows (blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls). And tonight OKC had plenty of highs, but ended on a low, as Chicago made a furious fourth-quarter comeback to win, 105-103.

Here are three quick thoughts from the game:

  • Aleksej Pokuševski looked the most comfortable he has all preseason. Poku played poised and confident, running the court, passing off the dribble, and even taking the ball coast to coast with a nifty move and hookshot. The rookie also nabbed his first double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
  • Al Horford may soon end up being accused of plagiarism by Chris Paul. Much like Paul, Horford was viewed as a vet whose best days were behind him. After a season in OKC, CP3 re-established himself as one of the elite point guards in the NBA, and Horford may well prove all the doubters wrong with a comeback season, too. In tonight’s game, the former 76er led the Thunder in scoring with 17 points, including 4 of 5 from three.
  • There will be plenty of reasons to watch this season. I don’t know if the Thunder will exceed expectations again, but I’m pretty confident they will be fun to watch. This team is absolutely dripping with intrigue. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks primed to be the next Thunder All-Star. Horford is out to put the haters to shame. Darius Bazley, Poku, Lu Dort, and Theo Maledon provide a healthy share of optimism. If you aren’t watching his year, you are going to miss out on something special.