The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Chicago Bulls in the United Center last night to extend their record to 10-7 and split the season series. The Chicago Bulls overcame a 20-point deficit in Memphis on October 28th to defeat the Grizzlies 126-123 before the favor was returned in the 142-131 score yesterday.
The alternate storyline of the Grizzlies avoiding a season sweep was point guard Scotty Pippen Jr.'s first career game in the arena where his father, NBA Hall of Famer and six-time champion Scottie Pippen, helped orchestrate one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.
Always a special moment when Scotty Pippen Jr returns to the building where his pops help hang 6 banners in the rafters!
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) November 24, 2024
Pippen warms up to make his first career regular season start in United Center against the Bulls. https://t.co/jDjfGzWhaZ pic.twitter.com/BQSub91IiF
What followed was another special moment and game from Pippen Jr. that put him in the same category of an accomplishment as Scottie Pippen.
Like Father, Like Son
How cool. Pippen Jr. has been big time. pic.twitter.com/IFkSuivBJE
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) November 24, 2024
Scotty Pippen Jr. played the best game of his career in the United Center, recording 30 points and 10 assists on 81% shooting, and 50% from three. This stat line put him in the company of his father once again as he was the last player to provide a similar stat line in that same building in 1995.
In a game earlier this month against the Washington Wizards, Scotty Pippen Jr. secured his first career triple-double in his first start of the season. With that performance, Scottie Pippen and Pippen Jr. became the first father-son duo to record a triple-double in NBA history.
Following in a father's footsteps is never easy when the father is an all-time great, as evidenced by the scrutiny revolving around Bronny James, but Pippen Jr. is shining in his role right now. The 6'1" undrafted former Vanderbilt Commodores point guard had to carve his own path as an NBA G League standout before signing with the Grizzlies on a two-way contract.
A successful second half of the 2023-24 season, in which he had the opportunity to start 16 of 21 games, paved the way for him to earn a roster spot in the preseason. After beginning the season as the primary backup to superstar Ja Morant, Pippen Jr. has kept the Grizzlies afloat in his absence due to injury.
The Grizzlies are 5-3 in his eight starts and he is averaging 13.8 points and 5.4 assists in those games as he has been instrumental in helping the team keep pace without their superstar point guard. As Ja Morant looks to return as soon as early this week, Pippen Jr. will look to continue providing the same impact he had as a bench contributor before Morant's latest injury.