MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies fought, rallied and were on the verge of snapping their losing streak, only to have an ill-advised foul lead to two successful free throws and another defeat.
Chicago rookie Antonio Blakeney converted two of the three attempts with 1.8 seconds left Thursday night, allowing the Bulls to escape with a 111-110 victory – Memphis’ 19th straight loss. Blakeney got to the line after Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans fouled him near the top of the key with Memphis leading 110-109 with 1.8 seconds remaining.
“I got the ball with about 5 seconds left. I knew I was just going to make a play, an aggressive play,” said Blakeney, who finished with 10 points. “I (saw Evans) backing up a little bit, so I rose up and shot it.”
The rookie from LSU made the first and the third free throws, providing the final margin.
On the game’s final play, Memphis got the ball to Marc Gasol for a baseline fadeaway that was long. JaMychal Green tipped it in but after the horn, although it appeared to be basket interference anyway.
It was a game between two teams looking at the bottom of the standings. Both Chicago and Memphis are more interested in improving their chances of a top pick in this summer’s draft than wins at this point.
But for Memphis, the misery is particularly frustrating. The Grizzlies have not won since defeating Phoenix on Jan. 29 and continue to hold the worst record in the NBA at 18-50.
Memphis played its starters in the fourth, while Chicago was content to rely on its reserves. Despite erasing a seven-point deficit near the middle of the fourth, the Grizzlies simply couldn’t make the final play to end the losing streak.
“We played hard. Both teams played hard,” Evans said. “We knocked down some shots, but at the end, I made a (stupid) foul, and that’s on me.”
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 20 points while playing only three quarters, while Bobby Portis scored 17. Denzel Valentine had 15 points, going 5 of 7 from outside the arc.
Evans had 25 points and nine assists for Memphis, while Gasol added 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jarell Martin scored 16 points and Green finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“It’s just another one,” Gasol said of the loss. “But I thought we did a better job. We looked more like a team. At least we were more consistent.”
