Unlike the NFL, NBA teams don’t have enough time in between games to focus on hard losses. They have to get their mind right because other games could be only a few days away.
After an excruciating loss to the Dallas Mavericks, 114-113, on Wednesday night, the Grizzlies had to put it behind them and focus on a brutal seven-game road trip ahead of them. First up was the Chicago Bulls.
Memphis was up for the task by beating the Bulls 126-115 Friday night at the United Center.
“It’s always good to start a road trip off with a win,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said after the game. “Beating a team twice in one week is never easy. They gave us a great test and I’m glad we came out on top, for sure. We had a lot of growth from the first half to the second half.”
Dillon Brooks led the way for Memphis by putting up a season-high 32 points off of 12 of 19 shooting while connecting on 4 of 7 three-pointers. It was an incredibly efficient night for the Oregon Ducks alum.
Jonas Valančiūnas added 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Ja Morant chipped in 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists as Memphis moves to 28-26 on the season.
As Brandon Clarke sat out due to hip soreness, rookie Xavier Tillman, Sr. made his mark off the bench for the Grizzlies. Tillman ended with 14 points, two rebounds, two steals, and a block in 16 minutes of play.
Tillman during post-game media availability:
The Bulls’ leading-scorer Zach LaVine was out due to health and safety protocols. Coby White replaced LaVine in the starting lineup. In his first start since March 14th, White led the Bulls with 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
Nikola Vučević finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, six assists to secure his 37th double-double on the season. Memphis native Thaddeus Young chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The Bulls have lost five in a row and fell to 22-33 on the season.
Up Next:
The Grizzlies head to Milwaukee for game two of their seven-game road trip to take on the Bucks. Tip-off starts at 8 p.m. CT.