MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Zach LaVine led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 126-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, scoring a total of 30 points, including 11 crucial points in the final quarter.
Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly to the team’s effort, finishing the game with 22 points. Coby White added 20 points, while Josh Giddey, who played a pivotal role in the closing moments, recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 8 assists, and 13 rebounds, including a vital offensive rebound in the waning seconds.
Desmond Bane shined for the Grizzlies, matching LaVine with 30 points while shooting an impressive 11 of 19 from the field and sinking 6 of 10 from beyond the arc. Jaren Jackson Jr. supported with 19 points, Jake LaRavia put up 17 points, and Scotty Pippen Jr. added a notable 14 points along with 10 assists.
The game came down to the last moments, with the Bulls establishing a slim 126-123 edge after Giddy made one of his two free throw attempts with just 8.9 seconds remaining on the clock. The Grizzlies had a chance to tie or win the game, but Bane’s 3-point shot was off target.
Observations from the game indicate that the Bulls made an impressive comeback during the fourth quarter after initially trailing by as many as 20 points, outscoring the Grizzlies 33-23 in that final frame.
Conversely, Memphis has struggled in recent games, frequently losing significant leads during the third quarter. They once held a 15-point advantage but failed to sustain it, reminiscent of previous matches where they allowed opponents to make significant comebacks.
A critical moment in the game took place when LaVine and Vucevic returned to the court with around nine minutes left, as the Bulls were down 106-98. This marked the turning point for Chicago, who went on a 22-6 run over the next four minutes, highlighted by a crucial three-pointer from LaVine, enabling them to secure the win.
One noteworthy statistic from the matchup was the ball control; both teams have been inconsistent with turnovers early in the season, yet the Bulls managed to limit themselves to just nine turnovers compared to the Grizzlies’ ten.
Looking ahead, the Chicago Bulls will face the Orlando Magic at home on Wednesday, while the Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Brooklyn Nets at home on the same evening.