Chicago Bulls Fall To Grizzlies 98-91: Recap, Highlights and More

The Chicago Bulls played the Memphis Grizzlies tight, but lose late.

The Chicago Bulls are fighting for their playoff life, so every game from this point forward is important. Unfortunately, this one did not turn out as planned, as the Bulls fell 98-91 to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The first quarter displayed high energy and a fast pace from both teams. Rajon Rondo started at point guard and the pace of the Bulls offense was much faster was than when Jerian Grant is the starter.

The two teams ended the first quarter deadlocked at 24-24. Dwyane Wade led the Chicago Bulls with seven points and Jimmy Butler chipped in five. Butler also got to the line four times which is a good sign.

The second quarter was just as competitive as the first. The Grizzlies went into the half with a 54-50 lead. Coach Fred Hoiberg and the Bulls used different defenders to try to slow down Mike Conley but to no avail. Conley finished the first half with 14 points going 5-7 from the field.

More from Chicago Bulls

• Chicago Bulls’ winning ways proves Billy Donovan’s system works
• Chicago Bulls News: Coby White is that dude
• Chicago Bulls’ recent success means big trades make sense
• The Chicago Bulls seem to have a major Zach LaVine problem.
• No Zach, no DeMar, no problem? Chicago Bulls stun the Bucks in OT

Michael Carter-Williams had a nice quarter with seven points in eight minutes of play.

The Grizzlies opened the third quarter with a 10-0 run and looked like they were going to run away with the game. Which would not have surprised Bulls fans considering the Bulls consistent second half woes this season. The Bulls fought back and ended the quarter down 74-71.

The fourth quarter was back and forth between the Bulls and Grizzlies. Whenever the Bulls would put within striking distance the Grizzlies would have an answer. Another frustrating loss for the Bulls as they drop another game at the United Center. It will be difficult to make the playoffs when the Bulls are not winning in their own building.

Highlights:

https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/842179544132014080

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/842184977416560640

Three Stars:

1. Mike Conley: Conley continually broke down the defense and he and his teammates benefited from it. The Conley-Gasol pick and roll decimated the Bulls tonight. Conley finished with 27 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

2. Rajon Rondo: Rondo showed why he still can be a capable starter in the league. He finished the night with 17 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. 

3. Marc Gasol: Gasol showed a lot of confidence tonight. Gasol finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and 4-5 from the charity stripe.

Next: D-Wade Frustrated by Bulls' Performance

Next Game:

The Chicago Bulls try to get back on track on Friday against the Washington Wizards. The Memphis Grizzlies will play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as part of a back-to-back.