Bulls Maul Grizzlies in Home Opener
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 2, 2012 3:40PM
After some struggles against the Lakers and Golden State to start the season, the Bulls appear to be rounding into the form that earned them 62 wins last season. With last night's home opener against Memphis coupled with Friday's win against the Clippers, the Bulls have now played back-to-back complete games.
The Bulls depth was on display at tipoff with Ronnie Brewer starting in place of Rip Hamilton, who was scratched from the lineup with a groin strain. Brewer showed why he's a valuable member of the Bulls' "Bench Mob" with a 17-point, seven rebound performance. Carlos Boozer matched Brewer in scoring and grabbed 11 rebounds in a very efficient performance, while Derrick Rose added 16 points (including hitting all eight of his free throw attempts) and six assists. Every Bull except for Hamilton saw playing time last night, including victory cigar Brian Scalabrine.
At 4-1, the Bulls are off to their best start since the 1996-97 squad, led by a certain shooting guard, won their first 12 games.