CHICAGO – Otto Porter Jr. wanted to get into the All-Star break on a good note.

The forward poured in a career-high 37 points, going 16-for-20 from the floor as the Bulls ended a long home losing streak with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Porter Jr. also grabbed 10 rebounds to record a double-double. Robin Lopez added 25 points in Chicago’s victory.

“Obviously, Otto had a big night,” Bulls Head Coach Jim Boylen said.

“I always wanted to be aggressive, take my time and get to my spots,” Porter Jr. said after his career night.

The Bulls entered Wednesday’s contest losers of their last 11 home games, which extended a franchise record. Over the last 20 home contests, Chicago went 2-18 and set a franchise record for the worst loss in team history. That weekend, the players nearly executed a mutiny after Boylen pulled a five-man switch in the second half of the loss against Boston to attempt to hold a practice Sunday. The following Monday, the Bulls gave up a double-digit lead in the third quarter in a loss to the Kings. Chicago also lost to the Hawks, Wizards and Cavaliers during its tough stretch at home.

[RELATED: Bulls Acquire Otto Porter Jr. in Trade]

Under Fred Hoiberg, the Bulls posted a -6.7 net rating at home and a -12.3 net rating on the road. Under Boylen, that line has completely flipped. Entering Wednesday’s game, Chicago had a -3.6 net rating on the road under Boylen and a -13.1 net rating at home.

From a statistical standpoint, it’s hard to see any improvements from the coaching change. When you factor in Hoiberg missing three key rotation players in Markkanen, Dunn and Bobby Portis, any difference seems negligible.

Bulls Coaching Splits (via NBA.com/stats)	W-L	Offensive Rating	Defensive Rating	Net Rating	AST/TO Ratio	Pace
Fred Hoiberg (24 games)	5-19	101.0	110.6	-9.6	1.45	100.94
Jim Boylen (33 games, entering Wednesday’s game)	8-25	104.2	112.4	-8.2	1.51	98.08

 

Against the Grizzlies, Chicago found its rhythm early. The Bulls jumped out to a 12-4 lead, similar to their contests against the Pelicans and Wizards. This time, Chicago was able to keep going after its early offensive burst.

Even with Kris Dunn out, the Bulls limited Memphis guard Mike Conley. The star struggled from the floor, going 3-for-11 to finish with just 12 points. Zach LaVine became more of a distributor for Chicago Wednesday, dishing out seven assists and attempting just 10 shots. He came into the game putting up nearly 18 attempts per game.

“Zach had a kind of poise to him tonight trying to get people involved,” Boylen said.

The Bulls held a 67-62 advantage due to Porter Jr.’s 21-point first half. The recently acquired forward kept the scoring going early in the second half, starting the third quarter 3-for-3. Chicago used that to take a 25-21 edge in the period. Lauri Markkenen also kept his strong performance going after quietly putting up 12 points, three rebounds and three assists in the first half. He finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the win.

With the All-Star break here, Chicago can gain some valuable rest and get healthy to play its younger players for the rest of the season. Dunn will be re-evaluated next week and Chandler Hutchison will also be close to returning, according to Boylen. Both players will be evaluated for their roles in Chicago’s rebuild. For now, the Bulls can go into the break knowing a franchise record home losing streak is over.

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