In a heart-stopping NBA showdown, Cedric Coward delivered a heroic performance, scoring 24 points and sinking two crucial free throws with just 6.5 seconds remaining to propel the Memphis Grizzlies to a narrow 125-124 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as reported by the Associated Press. This dramatic win effectively snapped the Grizzlies' frustrating five-game losing streak, injecting much-needed momentum into their campaign.
A Nail-Biting Finale
The closing moments of the game were packed with high-stakes drama. Immediately after Coward's successful free throws, Chicago's Josh Giddey responded by making two foul shots of his own with only four seconds left on the clock, pulling the Bulls within a single point. The tension escalated further when the Grizzlies turned over the ensuing inbound pass, handing Chicago a final opportunity to steal the win. However, the Bulls were unable to get a shot off before the buzzer sounded, sealing Memphis's hard-fought triumph.
Key Contributors and Standout Performances
Coward was not just a scoring force; he also contributed nine rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact on the court. Supporting him, Tyler Burton finished with 18 points, while Jahmai Mashack added 17 for the Grizzlies. On the Bulls' side, Matas Buzelis led the scoring with an impressive 29 points, and Collin Sexton provided a significant boost off the bench with 26 points. Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his 13th such achievement of the season, though it came in a losing effort as the Bulls extended their losing streak to three consecutive games.
Game Dynamics and Challenges
The contest remained fiercely competitive throughout, though the Associated Press noted a lack of offensive flow that often resulted in stagnant one-on-one play. Despite this disjointed rhythm, Memphis managed to build a 98-88 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Both teams were playing on the second night of back-to-back sets following losses on Friday—the Bulls fell in Oklahoma City, while the Grizzlies suffered a defeat at home against Houston.
Compounding the struggle was the shorthanded nature of both rosters. Chicago had nine players listed on the injury report, and Memphis was missing a staggering 11 players, severely testing their depth. This lack of available talent was particularly evident in perimeter shooting; at one point, just four minutes before halftime, the teams combined for a dismal 5-of-28 from three-point range.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
With neither team positioned for the postseason, the focus for both franchises has shifted toward their eventual placements in the upcoming draft lottery, adding a layer of strategic importance to these late-season matchups. The victory provides a morale boost for Memphis as they navigate this transitional phase.
Other NBA Results
In other NBA action from the same day, the San Antonio Spurs secured a 100-93 win on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Detroit Pistons earned a dominant 109-87 victory at the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 127-95, the Atlanta Hawks beat the Sacramento Kings 123-113, and the Phoenix Suns routed the Utah Jazz 134-109.
