Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a stellar performance on Saturday night, dropping a career-high 30 points along with 10 assists to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a high-octane 142-131 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Playing in Chicago’s iconic arena, where his father’s retired jersey hangs in the rafters, Pippen Jr. put on a show, solidifying his breakout performance with poise and precision.
Memphis rode Pippen Jr.’s hot hand early as he poured in 26 points over the first three quarters. Jaylen Wells complemented his effort with 26 points of his own, continuing his consistent contributions as Memphis notched its second consecutive win and claimed victory in three of its last four games.
Grizzlies Dominate Second Half
Leading 109-98 heading into the final frame, Memphis took control with an 8-3 run that widened the gap and effectively shut down any hopes of a Bulls comeback. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 23 points, while Santi Aldama added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, helping Memphis maintain its edge on the boards and in the paint.
The Grizzlies also outrebounded the Bulls 49-35, a key factor in their ability to control the pace and dictate the game’s flow. Memphis led by as many as 15 points during the contest, refusing to let up even as Chicago made several pushes to close the gap.
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Bulls’ Strong Effort Falls Short
Despite Zach LaVine’s explosive second half, where he scored 26 of his 29 total points, and Nikola Vucevic’s solid 26-point, eight-rebound outing, the Bulls couldn’t keep pace with Memphis’ offensive firepower. Chicago’s reliance on the 3-point shot kept them within striking distance, as they shot a respectable 45.2% (19-of-42) from beyond the arc. However, their struggles in the first quarter, where they managed just 22 points on 37% shooting, set the tone for a tough night.
Pivotal Third Quarter Shift
The game’s momentum swung midway through the third quarter when Memphis, up 91-84, got back-to-back 3-pointers from Jay Huff and Luke Kennard. The quick barrage extended the Grizzlies’ lead into double digits and forced a timeout from Chicago. The Bulls only managed to get the deficit under 10 points twice for the rest of the game, as Memphis continued to pour it on offensively.
Takeaways from the Matchup
The Grizzlies continue to impress in Ja Morant’s absence, improving to 5-3 without their two-time All-Star guard. Memphis has relied on a balanced attack and contributions from rising stars like Pippen Jr. to weather the storm.
For the Bulls, the focus on increasing their 3-point volume has shown promise, but it wasn’t enough on a night where defensive lapses and an underwhelming start proved costly. Despite their strong shooting from deep, Chicago’s inability to dominate the boards or slow down Memphis in transition spelled defeat.
Key Stats Define the Game
Memphis’ ability to dictate tempo and convert second-chance opportunities was crucial. Meanwhile, Chicago’s early shooting woes set them back, as they were unable to recover from their slow start. The Grizzlies’ depth and resilience were on full display, with contributions coming from all corners of the roster.
Next Up
The Grizzlies look to build on their momentum when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, while the Bulls aim to regroup as they visit the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
For Memphis, Pippen Jr.’s breakout performance may mark the beginning of a larger role for the young guard as the team continues to navigate challenges. Meanwhile, Chicago will need to address their inconsistencies if they hope to get back in the win column.