© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
What we learned from the Chicago Bulls' dominant win over the Memphis Grizzlies
The Chicago Bulls began life without Zach LaVine on a high note, routing the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies, 125-96, on Saturday at the United Center. Here are two things to take away from the lopsided victory.
A more aggressive DeMar DeRozan
With LaVine set to miss at least a week because of a sprained ankle, more scoring responsibility will be on the shoulders of veteran two-guard DeMar DeRozan, who responded with 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting. It was the second straight game that Deebo attempted at least 20 shots, a trend that should continue while LaVine is out.
However, LaVine’s absence will also free up more opportunities for other players on the Bulls’ roster—something that the team thrived on in December when LaVine missed 17 straight games because of a foot injury. Against the Grizzlies, seven players scored in double-figures as the team registered 32 assists—showcasing the ball movement and unselfish play that has recently become the hallmark of this Bulls team.
"It definitely forces a challenge because you really can't key into one guy," reserve guard Ayo Dosunmu said.
"It makes us be able to get downhill more and make plays for each other and create open shots."
Second half surge
Memphis showed grit early in the third quarter as they went on a 13-3 run to knot the score at 53-all. Fortunately, the Bulls did not waver and answered with a sizzling run highlighted by this thunderous tomahawk slam by Coby White.
White, who didn’t score his first point of the game until late in the second quarter, finished with 17 points, five boards, and five assists. LaVine’s absence allowed Jevon Carter to enter the rotation, and the hardnosed guard posted 12 points in 17 minutes.
