3 Biggest Takeaways From the Grizzlies' Preseason Win Over the Bulls

Javon Small made both free throws with 0.7 seconds left Friday night at the United Center, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Chicago Bulls, 104-100, to move to 2-1 in the preseason.

Memphis led 60-50 at halftime after scoring 30 points in each of the first two quarters. Chicago scored 32 in the third. Caleb Wilson's 3-pointer with 55 seconds left cut the lead to 102-100, and the Bulls missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer before Small went to the line.

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo and rookie Karim Lopez spoke after the game in availability video posted by Grind City Media.

Several of the players in Friday's opening group were on the floor together for the first time, Iisalo said.

"First of all, I was very happy how we came out in the beginning of the game," Iisalo said. "I didn't think we started particularly well against Orlando. First time playing together, a few of those guys, and thought we'd made all the right plays in the beginning, both defensively and offensively, and that carried through also in the second quarter."

"Also that unit did a great job rebounding," Iisalo continued. "That's something we maybe struggled with with the other units. So Zach really helped us and was more of himself already today. We see the impact and see the other guys also recognizing much more where he has the advantages on the floor. Booz was amazing also with his passing and just keeping everybody together with that connective tissue playmaking."

Cameron Boozer had 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 12 minutes. He shot 3-of-5 from the field and did not play after halftime.

Ty Jerome also sat the second half. He scored 16 points in 14 minutes, made 4-of-6 from 3-point range, and had 4 assists without a turnover. Jerome has praised Boozer and the Grizzlies' pace during the preseason.

Zach Edey played 16 minutes, up from 10 in his preseason debut Oct. 7 against Orlando. He went 3-of-3 from the field and finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

The lead reached 14 in the first half.

Jerome and Boozer were done for the night at halftime, and Iisalo said the group that took over was stepping into a difficult situation.

"I thought we didn't play well in the beginning of the third," Iisalo explained. "And one of the things that really bothered us in the second half — I think we had four turnovers in the first half and things were very much in our control, and then second half, 18 turnovers."

Memphis finished with 21 turnovers and 25 assists. The Grizzlies shot 47% from the field and 10-of-31 from 3-point range.

Wilson had 1 point at halftime. He scored 12 in the third quarter and finished with a game-high 21 on 7-of-17 shooting.

Chicago shot 37.5% and outrebounded Memphis 43-40. Norman Powell scored 17 points for the Bulls, 10 of them at the free-throw line, and Josh Giddey added 13.

Iisalo said the pace was good for most of Friday's game and the effort has been there through three games.

"Then there's certain situations that we still need to improve, like rim protection, our rotations," Iisalo said. "That's really the synchronizing all five players. If somebody gets beat, who rotates into that spot, who rotates, who helps that guy. And defensive rebound — in those two areas, stick out as two things we got to do a better job."

"Overall, we're taking big steps forward, and I think we — these three games were very valuable for us overall," Iisalo continued. "Not just, not just from the fact that it mimics and guys got kind of used to it right here, but also because of the aforementioned reps that we got from three different types of teams."

Memphis hung on through the second half, which Iisalo said he was glad to see.

"In the end, it was great to see [Jahmai Mashack] and [Olivier-Maxence Prosper] make a great defensive play there," Iisalo said. "Very well communicated switch, and then a great contest from [Prosper] without fouling, exactly what we needed."

"And really, really also satisfied that we got second game in a row, got these late game reps," Iisalo added. "These are very valuable for our younger guys."

Prosper signed a standard two-year contract with Memphis on March 4 after playing on a two-way deal. The Grizzlies lost 122-118 to the Magic on Oct. 7.

Lopez finished plus-10. Three games in five nights was a first for the 19-year-old, as far as he can remember.

"It's about staying ready," Lopez said. "You never know when you're coming in. You've got to stay ready. As soon as you get in the court, you don't have time to play around. You've got to go and make an impact and help the team."

Memphis acquired the draft rights to Lopez, the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, from the Detroit Pistons on June 24. He signed with the Grizzlies on July 29.

Lopez sees a roster full of competitors who want to get better, and he called it special to see.

"I think it's about communication, just staying together," Lopez explained. "We're a very tight group, so that helps, and then just being on the same page, and I think that it worked out pretty well at the end."

The Grizzlies close the preseason Oct. 16 against the Charlotte Hornets at FedExForum. The regular season opens Oct. 21 at home against the Utah Jazz, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. CT.