The Chicago Bulls put together one of their more complete offensive performances of the season Monday night, coming away with a 132-107 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center. After a competitive first half, Chicago steadily took control after the break and never let Memphis back into the game. Matas Buzelis led all scorers with 29 points, and Josh Giddey filled the box score with a triple-double as the Bulls improved to 28-40 on the season.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Chicago opened with a slight edge in a fast-paced first period, taking a 29-27 lead. Memphis kept up early behind balanced scoring, but the Bulls were a little sharper offensively and closed the quarter in front.
Second Quarter: The game remained close in the second. Memphis scored 30 points in the quarter, but Chicago answered with 32 to carry a 61-57 lead into halftime. The Bulls continued to move the ball effectively, while the Grizzlies did enough to stay within striking distance.
Third Quarter: Chicago created some separation coming out of halftime. The Bulls outscored Memphis 36-29 in the third, stretching the margin to 97-86 heading into the fourth. That period proved to be an important turning point, with Chicago generating quality looks and controlling the glass.
Fourth Quarter: The Bulls fully pulled away in the final 12 minutes. Chicago outpaced Memphis 35-21 in the fourth quarter to turn a competitive game into a comfortable win. The Bulls’ offense stayed efficient, and their defense limited the Grizzlies’ ability to string together a comeback.
Key Performers
Matas Buzelis, Bulls: Buzelis led Chicago with 29 points and set the scoring tone for the home team.
Josh Giddey, Bulls: Giddey delivered an all-around performance with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 steals. His playmaking and rebounding had a major impact throughout the night.
Bulls team production: Chicago finished with 48 made field goals, shot 51.6% from the floor, knocked down 18 three-pointers, and recorded 30 assists.
Cedric Coward, Grizzlies: Coward led Memphis with 17 points.
Walter Clayton Jr., Grizzlies: Clayton Jr. paced Memphis with 7 assists, while Tyler Burton led the team with 8 rebounds.
Game Analysis
Chicago’s offensive efficiency was the clearest difference in the game. The Bulls shot 51.6% from the field compared to Memphis at 45.3%, and they created additional separation from beyond the arc by making 18 threes to the Grizzlies’ 14. Even though both teams finished with 30 assists, Chicago was more effective turning those chances into high-value scoring possessions.
The Bulls also held an advantage on the boards, finishing with a 47-37 edge in rebounds. Giddey’s 15 rebounds stood out, especially from the guard spot, and helped Chicago maintain control of the game’s rhythm. That extra possession battle became more important as the Bulls increased their lead in the second half.
Memphis stayed close for two quarters and had enough offense early to make this a competitive matchup, but the Grizzlies could not match Chicago’s consistency after halftime. The Bulls scored 71 points over the final two quarters and continued to find productive looks in transition and in the half court. By the middle of the fourth, Chicago had taken full control.
Closing Context
The win moves the Bulls to 28-40 overall and 17-18 at home, a positive result as they continue to look for late-season momentum in the Eastern Conference. For Memphis, the loss drops the Grizzlies to 23-44 and 11-24 on the road. With both teams in the final stretch of the regular season, Chicago will look to carry this offensive form forward, while Memphis will try to regroup after a game that slipped away in the second half.
