• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Grizzlies up for the challenge vs. Bulls

Dec 19, 2014 - 2:45 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Memphis Grizzlies own the NBA's longest current winning streak and they'll try to extend it Friday night when the Chicago Bulls pay a visit to FedExForum.

The Grizzlies have won six in a row and trail the Golden State Warriors by just a single game in the race for the best record in the association. During this run, Memphis knocked off the aforementioned Warriors on Tuesday, then earned another sensational win Wednesday.

The Grizzlies pulled out a 117-116 triple-overtime victory in San Antonio over the defending champion Spurs.

Zach Randolph scored all six of Memphis' points in the third overtime, lifting the Grizzlies over the Spurs. Randolph ended with 21 points and 21 rebounds for the Grizz.

"It's the biggest game for us because they've been beating us," said Randolph. "The last time we won here was what, the playoffs, right? It's a long time. They have our number. It felt good to get a win, to get that confidence."

Marc Gasol tallied 26 points and nine boards.

Vince Carter made five 3-pointers en route to 18 points for Memphis, which won despite blowing a 23-point lead. Mike Conley donated 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

Kosta Koufos chipped in 16 off the bench and Courtney Lee, who played almost 53 minutes, added 14.

The Grizzlies face a stiff challenge Sunday when they visit LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Bulls have won four of their last five and got back into the win column Thursday night with a 103-97 victory over the New York Knicks at the United Center.

Jimmy Butler scored a career-high 35 points and dished out seven assists to lead the Bulls to victory.

"I worked on everything, all aspects," Butler said of his game. "You know when my confidence is up and I'm out there smiling and just having fun, it's nothing. It's basketball."

Pau Gasol contributed 20 points with seven rebounds and Aaron Brooks added 18 points off the bench for Chicago, which played its ninth game of the season without star point guard Derrick Rose.

Rose missed the contest with an illness and his status for Friday's game at Memphis is uncertain.

The Bulls, who improved to 5-4 without Rose this season, have won four of their last five games overall. Chicago owns the most road victories in the Eastern Conference with 11. That is the second-highest number in the league behind the Warriors.

The Grizzlies have won four of their last five versus the Bulls, who won their most recent trip to Memphis. The Grizzlies are 7-2 in their last nine as the host in this series.