Crystal Pouncey
Feb 09, 2024 - 06:20

Chicago Bulls win 118-110 over Memphis with two-big pairing - Yahoo Sports

The Chicago Bulls barely beat the Memphis Grizzlies despite their injuries, with a win that could mean a lasting two-big lineup.

The Chicago Bulls faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies in a game that was meant to showcase the Bulls' ability to compete at the highest level. However, the Bulls struggled to dominate the game, despite ultimately securing a 118-110 win.

Artūras Karnišovas, the executive vice president of basketball operations, had emphasized the Bulls' competitiveness in the Eastern Conference during a news conference earlier in the day. The team's performance against the Grizzlies, who have suffered numerous injuries and are currently near the bottom of the Western Conference, didn't fully support Karnišovas' claim.

The Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries, including the season-ending loss of their star player, Ja Morant. The Bulls' win came with the Grizzlies missing 10 players from their roster, including key players like Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, and Luke Kennard.

The Bulls' victory was led by DeMar DeRozan, who scored 30 points, and Coby White, who contributed 20 points and eight assists. The team's decision to start a two-big lineup, featuring Nikola Vučević and Andre Drummond, seems to have paid off, as they have shown potential as a formidable duo on the court.

Coach Billy Donovan's strategy to pair Vučević and Drummond has proven effective, with the two centers complementing each other's play. Their chemistry and ability to work together seamlessly were evident in their performance against the Grizzlies. Both players expressed their eagerness to continue developing their partnership and maximizing their potential as a duo.

Despite the Bulls' win, the game against the Grizzlies highlighted the need for the team to further refine its gameplay and solidify its position as a competitive force in the NBA. The Bulls will need to build on their performance and continue to develop their strategies to achieve success in the Eastern Conference.