Chicago Bulls (28-40) beat Memphis Grizzlies (23-44) 132-107 at home on Monday, March 16. The final margin was 25 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Bulls had the better start, winning the first 29-27 to lead by 2 after one. The Bulls kept the pressure on with a 32-30 second quarter, carrying a 4-point lead into halftime.
The Bulls won the third 36-29 to create some separation, taking a 11-point lead into the fourth. The Bulls took the fourth 35-21; the Bulls finished the job for a 132-107 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Bulls grabbed 32.5% of their own misses, while the Grizzlies recovered 22.7%. The Bulls got more from their shots, finishing at 61.3% effective field-goal shooting compared with 53.5% for the Grizzlies. The second chances kept adding up.
At roughly 103 possessions per team, the Bulls produced 127.8 points per 100 possessions to 103.6 for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 59-47.
Who stood out
Josh Giddey was the game's biggest individual force for CHI: 16 pts, 15 reb, 13 ast, 3 stl on 6-12 shooting. His Game Score of 25 led everyone. His team was +25 with him on the floor.
Cam Spencer led the Grizzlies with 12 pts, 1 reb, 7 ast on 3-7 shooting, good for a 13.9 Game Score.
Josh Giddey (16 pts, 15 reb, 13 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The pre-game Win Meter had it close to a coin flip, at about 64% for the Bulls.
Across the last 2 meetings in our records, the series is even.
The Bulls are now 28-40, and the Grizzlies are 23-44. The Bulls last five before this game: W-L-W-L-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.