DeMar DeRozan relishes lopsided home victory as a tough road trip out west beckons

The Bulls will be tested on this road trip.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

There was plenty to smile about on Saturday after the Chicago Bulls thrashed the Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies, 125-96, to improve to 21-23. After the game, veteran wingman DeMar DeRozan remarked on how the Bulls played with more joy than usual, reflecting how everybody stepped up to give the team the victory.

Unselfish basketball

With Zach LaVine out for a few weeks due to an ankle sprain, the Bulls reverted to the rotation and style of play that brought them success in December. The result was an exciting, more free-flowing brand of basketball. 

Seven players reached double-figures in scoring when the final buzzer sounded, underscoring how the Bulls are at their best when they share the ball and play unselfishly.

“Played with a lot of joy tonight,” DeRozan said.

“We didn’t care who did what, so tonight was fun. We love seeing each other thrive and just being successful. It was big, especially with Zach (LaVine, sprained ankle) being out. All the guys stepped up; everyone came up big. Coby (White) played like Coby.”

COME FLY WITH ME, COBY WHITE ✈️@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/ivcezzSON3

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 21, 2024

Test out west

With their morale high, the Bulls head west for a three-game road trip, starting with a game against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and the powerhouse Phoenix Suns on Monday. 

A showdown with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers will follow before they wrap the road trip up with a game against the young but talented Portland Trail Blazers.

“It was a good win for us. So tonight was fun. Now time to go on the road to get some wins,” Derozan added.

Three-bo.@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/tbNXQKmox9

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 21, 2024

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