Bulls 95, Grizzlies 91
Jimmy Butler poured in a season-high 26 points as visiting Chicago ended a three-game losing streak to Memphis.
Carlos Boozer added 21 points for the Bulls, who won for the third time in four games. D.J. Augustin (10) was the only other Chicago player to finish in double figures, and did so despite shooting 2-of-8 from the field.
Mike Conley had 26 points, nine assists and six steals for the Grizzlies, who went 5-9 in December. James Johnson had 13 points and 10 rebounds while Tony Allen also scored 13 and Kosta Koufos added 12.
The teams sputtered through a listless opening half, with Boozer's 12 points leading the way en route to a 46-44 Chicago advantage at the break. The Bulls broke out quickly in the third quarter, stretching the lead to double digits on Butler's three pointer from the left corner, and Butler tacked on the next five Chicago points to highlight a 23-4 run as the Bulls fended off a late Memphis charge to lead 71-64 entering the fourth.
Memphis continued to press in the final quarter, using back-to-back Conley hoops to close within one with nine minutes remaining. Augustin's 3-pointer made it a five-point game, Kirk Hinrich added a 3 from the right corner just under 2 1/2 minutes later and the Bulls weren't threatened from there.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Grizzlies F Tayshaun Prince inexplicably fouled Bulls F Mike Dunleavy on a long-distance heave to end the first half. Dunleavy made all three foul shots to give Chicago its two-point edge. ... Chicago improved to 2-8 against the Western Conference. ... Augustin had nine of Chicago's 16 assists.