Bulls score 72 points in second half for comeback win over Grizzlies |
MEMPHIS—Playing .500 ball isn't going to win you any rewards, but that is what the Chicago Bulls (2-2) have been doing for the better part of three seasons. Stuck in mediocrity for what seems like forever, Chicago has the talent to be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, but it continues to sit around .500, making the play in only to lose the final game before the playoffs.
They are looking to avoid that this season, but when you look at most of the preseason predictions for this team, making the play-in would be considered a win this season, as not many experts expect much of anything from this team. One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Bulls this season is their lack of defense, as this team has a hard time defending anyone. You saw that again against the Memphis Grizzlies (2-2) at the Fed Ex Forum on Monday as the Bulls allowed 68 first-half points and found themselves down 68-54 at the break. However, this is also a team that has proven they can shoot with the best of them when on, and the Bulls were piling up the points during the second half as the Bulls scored 72 second-half points compared to the Grizzlies 55 as a last-second Desmond Bane miss gave the Bulls their second win of the season 126-123. As mentioned, the Bulls are going to be an inconsistent team all season, but you're going to have those games where this team shows they can shoot with the best of them. Any time you can knock down 25 triples on 53 attempts and shoot better from deep compared to your normal FG%, you will be in great shape, which was the case on Monday. Zach Lavine played a significant role in the overall success from distance as he connected on five of his 12 triples to finish with a game-high 30 points. Say what you will about Lavine and the way things have gone for him the past two seasons, but you have to hand it to him for how he has gone about his business to start the year, as it does look like he wants to remain in Chicago. Joining Lavine when it came to hot shooting nights from deep were Nikola Vucevic and Coby White, as those two added nine combined triples to account for nearly 60% of the made three-point attempts. Vucevic has been nothing short of impressive to start the season as he also looks to be in his best form in several years. Although this was the first game of the season where he didn't have a double-double, he still finished with 22 points and is having a great offensive start to his season. The same can be said about White, as he has battled through some up-and-down games early on but did come away with 20 points to give the Bulls three great scoring options. Those weren't the only ones having great games for the Bulls, as four starters finished in double figures, and six total players landed in double figures. Josh Giddey (12 points) was the final starter to drop double figures, but it was another lackluster showing from Patrick Williams that will continue to bring questions to the Bulls. Anytime your starting PF has a five-point night on 2-10 shooting, you have to look at the big picture, but that has been an all too often theme for the former No. 4 pick, and it is starting to get irritating for the Bulls front office. What makes things incredibly frustrating is watching Jalen Smith come off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds to lead the second unit as he continues to produce at a much higher level than Williams. You'd have to think that is on Chicago's mind right now, and it wouldn't shock anyone to see Smith move to the starting lineup with Williams going to the bench. Ayo Dosunmu's season-high 10 points rounded out the Bulls' double-digit outputs. Lonzo Ball (6 points) and Julian Phillips (5 points) were the only players scoring off the bench. After enduring last season's tough season, many feel the Grizzlies could be one of the more improved teams this season. For that to happen, Bane will have to continue building on last season's success. With a game-high 30 points, he continues to prove he may be the team's best overall player. The same could be said about Jaren Jackson Jr., who not only took on a massive role last season but emerged as the face of the Grizzlies. With 19 points and six boards, he had what you would call a down night. Santi Aldama was the only other starter to land in double figures with 11 points, but the Grizzlies bench kept things close. Had it not been for the effort of their second unit, the Bulls would've run this team out of the building as four players scored in double figures off the bench. That included Jake LaRavia, who scored 17 points in leading the second unit, and Scottie Pippen Jr. chipped in with 14 points and 10 assists. Jay Huff (10 points) and Jaylen Wells (11 points) finished things off for Memphis. If they can continue to get that type of bench production once Ja Morant returns, this team will be tough to beat. Chicago will take any win they can get, especially on the road, as they continue to figure things out with this group.
