Postgame Report: Grizzlies’ Defense Bested By Bulls, Lose 122-110

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The Memphis Grizzlies gave up the second-most points they’ve surrendered all season as they fell to the Chicago Bulls, 122-110, on Wednesday night in the United Center. The Grizzlies dropped to 23-36 on the season and 9-21 on the road. The Bulls improved to 14-44 on the year and snapped an 11-game home losing streak.

The Bulls finished the game shooting 45-for-80 (.563) overall and 8-for-20 (.400) from three-point range, and their 122 points tied for the second-highest point total given up by the Grizzlies (three times, most recently vs. Toronto on Nov. 27). Chicago’s 56.3 field goal percentage was the third-best by a Memphis foe this year.

Avery Bradley led Memphis in scoring for the second consecutive game, finishing with 15 points on 7-of-12 (.583) shooting. Jonas Valanciunas had a productive 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 22:37 of play. Mike Conley and Delon Wright both added 12 points and five assists apiece. Jaren Jackson Jr. also finished with 12 points and a block. C.J. Miles chipped in with 12 points off the bench. Miles has reached double-digits in all three games so far with the Grizzlies.

Memphis made 43-of-89 (.483) shots in the game and finished 11-for-31 (.355) from beyond the arc. The Bulls dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Grizzlies 47-31 while outscoring Memphis 15-7 on second chance points. The Grizzlies did win the turnover battle, forcing 15 Bulls turnovers while committing nine of their own. Chicago had 58 points in the paint compared to 42 from Memphis. The Grizzlies bench scored 64 points while the Bulls reserves had 22.

Otto Porter Jr. scored a career-high 37 points (16-20 FG) while grabbing 10 rebounds to give him his fifth double-double of the season. Lauri Markkanen also logged a double-double, his sixth-straight and 13th overall, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds to go with six assists. Robin Lopez finished with a season-high 25 points to go with 5 boards. Zach LaVine added 15 points and seven assists. Ryan Arcidiacono handed out a career-high 11 assists.

Down 105-90 in the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies went on a 7-0 run from 7:42 to 5:26 to trim the Bulls lead to single-digits. Chicago soon responded with a 10-0 run however, highlighted by a deep Markkanen triple to make it 119-101 with 1:58 remaining, essentially putting the game away. The Grizzlies made 9-of-17 (.529) shots in the final period, but the Bulls were an even-better 13-of-23 (.565) from the floor. Chicago outscored Memphis 14-6 in the lane to protect their lead throughout the quarter.

Chicago controlled the pace in the third quarter, as they continued to sink shots at a strong rate by going 8-for-17 (.471) in the quarter while Memphis was 9-for-23 (.391). The Grizzlies assisted on eight of their nine baskets, while the Bulls had six assists on their eight makes. The Bulls also had success at the free throw line, knocking down 9-of-11 (.818) tries at the stripe. Much like in the first half, Chicago had success inside, outscoring Memphis 14-8 in the paint as they took a 92-83 lead into the last period.

The Bulls scored 67 points on 24-of-40 (.600) shooting during the first half, setting season-highs for both opponent points and field goal percentage in a first half. The Grizzlies weren’t far behind, making 25-of-49 (.510) shots, including 8-of-19 (.421) three-pointers. Both teams pounded the ball inside, with the Bulls edging the Grizzlies 30-28 on points in the paint during the half, and both teams shooting over 66 percent in the lane. Porter Jr. racked up 21 points on 8-of-9 (3-3 3P) shooting in the first half for Chicago.

Chicago was rolling to start the game, shooting 15-for-22 (.682) in the opening quarter, which included sinking their first nine shots. Memphis was also clicking, making 14-of-25 (.560) shots, but only made 3-of-9 (.333) threes in the quarter. The Bulls worked the ball inside, scoring 22 of their 36 points down low, with Lopez making all six shots for 12 points in the first, to build a 36-32 lead.

The offensive outputs carried over into the second quarter, with both teams scoring at least 30 points. Chicago shot 9-for-17 (2-5 3P) in the quarter, and while Memphis was slightly worse by going 11-for-24 (.458) from the field, they did make 5-of-10 (.500) treys in the second. The Grizzlies scored six points off of seven Bulls turnovers in the period, while allowing no points off of three turnovers. Porter had a strong quarter for Chicago, dropping 13 points on 5-of-6 (.833) shooting to help the Bulls lead 67-62.

The Grizzlies will return from the All-Star break to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, February 22 in FedExForum at 7 p.m. CT. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a Jaren Jackson Jr. “Shoot” Dance Figure. Come out to the game, tune in to FOX Sports Southeast presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN to follow the action.

Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase single-game tickets can do so now by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com/tickets. Single Game Tickets are also available for purchase at the FedExForum Box Office, ticketmaster.com, online at grizzlies.com/tickets or by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX. For more information on the Grizzlies, visit grizzlies.com, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram (@memgrizz).

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