In a commanding performance on Wednesday night, Luka Doncic showcased his elite skills, scoring 27 points and dishing out 13 assists as the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a 119-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The win improved the Mavericks’ record to 2-2 on their current five-game homestand, while the Bulls suffered their third consecutive defeat.
Second Half Surge
The Mavericks came out of halftime with a vengeance, scoring the first 13 points of the third quarter to extend their lead to 30 points. This explosive start effectively put the game out of reach for the Bulls, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the night. Despite missing key players like P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II, Dallas demonstrated depth and resilience, with Kyrie Irving adding 17 points to the scoreboard.
Bulls Struggle Offensively
Chicago’s offensive woes were evident as they failed to capitalize on opportunities. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 14 points and 10 rebounds but sat out the fourth quarter as the game slipped away. Rookie Matas Buzelis showed flashes of potential, contributing 13 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. The Bulls shot a dismal 28.6% from beyond the arc, finishing with just 12 made three-pointers out of 42 attempts.
Key Stats and Takeaways
The Mavericks dominated inside, outscoring the Bulls 60-48 in the paint and matching them in second-chance points at 12 apiece. Dallas also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 28 points off Chicago’s mistakes compared to just 13 for the Bulls.
As the Mavericks prepare to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday, they will look to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Bulls will aim to snap their losing streak at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
