MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Chicago Bulls mounted a spirited fourth-quarter rally to overcome the Memphis Grizzlies 118-110 on Thursday night, showcasing their depth and resilience. DeMar DeRozan spearheaded the Bulls’ offense with a game-high 30 points, leading his team to its second consecutive win and third in their last four outings.
Andre Drummond’s impactful double-double, consisting of 21 points and 13 rebounds, alongside his impressive 10 of 11 shooting from the field, was instrumental in the victory. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each contributed significantly, adding 20 points apiece, with Vucevic also securing 10 rebounds.
The strategic decision by Bulls coach Billy Donovan to deploy centers Drummond and Vucevic together on the court paid dividends, as the duo dominated the paint and led Chicago to a commanding 46-34 rebounding advantage over Memphis. This unconventional lineup posed a unique challenge for the Grizzlies, with Drummond expressing enthusiasm about the potential of this partnership.
Memphis, despite a strong performance from Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 28 points before fouling out, and an impressive showing from GG Jackson with 27 points, could not stave off the Bulls’ late surge. The Grizzlies, who have been plagued by injuries, suffered their seventh consecutive loss, struggling to maintain their lead in the fourth quarter.
GG Jackson, a two-way player and a notable pick from last year’s draft, provided a silver lining for Memphis with his scoring versatility, earning praise from Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. However, the team’s reliance on a makeshift lineup in critical moments of the game, particularly in the closing quarters, has been a recurring challenge this season.
The game was tightly contested, with neither team able to establish a double-digit lead. Entering the fourth quarter with a slight edge, Memphis extended their lead to six points, only for Chicago to respond with a decisive 19-6 run, claiming a 104-97 advantage and ultimately securing the win.
This matchup further highlighted the Grizzlies’ struggle to find consistency with their ever-changing starting lineups, exacerbated by recent trades and ongoing injury woes. The return of Jaren Jackson Jr. after a brief absence due to hip soreness was a notable moment, with the forward making an immediate impact.
As the Bulls look ahead to continuing their four-game road trip in Orlando, the Grizzlies aim to halt their losing streak in Charlotte. Both teams face the challenge of adjusting to recent roster changes and finding a winning formula as they navigate through the remainder of the season.
