The Memphis Grizzlies opened their NBA Summer League campaign with a dramatic 97–96 victory over the Chicago Bulls on July 11, 2026, in a contest that came down to the final possession. Playing in the annual showcase held in Las Vegas, both teams used the game to evaluate young talent and fringe roster players, but the competitive intensity was unmistakable as the Grizzlies escaped with a one-point win.

Game Recap: A Back-and-Forth Thriller

From the opening tip, the Bulls and Grizzlies traded blows with no team able to build a comfortable double-digit lead. Chicago appeared to seize control in the third quarter, pushing ahead by as many as nine points behind aggressive drives from their guards. However, Memphis responded with a balanced attack, getting contributions from their summer league roster that included several 2026 draft picks and second-year players.

The fourth quarter turned into a frantic exchange of scores. With under a minute remaining, the Bulls hit a mid-range jumper to take a 96–95 lead. On the ensuing possession, the Grizzlies worked the ball inside, drew a foul, and converted one of two free throws to tie the game at 96. After a defensive stop, Memphis grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed shot and was fouled with 1.2 seconds left. The Grizzlies made the first free throw to go up 97–96, then missed the second intentionally, leaving no time for a Chicago desperation heave.

Standout Performances

For Memphis, rookie guard Jaylen Rose led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, adding 5 assists and 3 steals. His composure in the clutch was a bright spot for the Grizzlies’ coaching staff. On the Bulls’ side, forward Marcus Caldwell posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, showing versatility in the pick-and-roll. However, Chicago’s turnover issues (17 total) proved costly in the tight finish.

Summer League Context

NBA Summer League remains a critical evaluation period for teams to assess their young core and invite players competing for roster spots. The Grizzlies, fresh off a playoff appearance in the 2025-26 regular season, used this game to give minutes to several developmental prospects. The win gives Memphis early momentum in the Las Vegas bracket, while the Bulls will look to bounce back in their next outing.

Box scores and highlights from this matchup will be closely monitored by both fan bases as the summer league progresses.