Photo: Getty Images
Coming off an overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, the Dallas Mavericks (17-13) played host to the Chicago Bulls (16-12) at the American Airlines Center. It was a second night of a road back-to-back for the Bulls, after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-96.
In his first game as No. 6 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points while grabbing 6 rebounds, helping the Mavs to a 118-111 victory over the Bulls.
Despite falling behind by as much as 9 points, the Mavs finished the quarter with a 7-point lead behind 7 of 9 shooting from behind the arc. The Bulls came storming back with a 34-point second quarter, taking a 60-59 lead into halftime.
The Mavs struggled to contain the Bulls frontline all night. Center Nikola Mirotic finished the game with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Pau Gasol added 19. Conversely, Mavs center Zaza Pachulia recorded his 16th double-double of the season, finishing the game with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Attempting to get their first home win of the season against an Eastern Conference opponent, Barea started right where left off with Wednesday night’s career-high 32 points in Brooklyn, scoring 26 points tonight including a career-high seven three pointers made.
“It was a great game,” Barea said. “Both teams were trading back and forth and I think we were able to stay with them and get some key stops at the end.”
After taking a 90-89 lead into the fourth quarter, the Mavs and Bulls played things close right up until about two minutes left in the ballgame when things were all tied up at 108. A foul by Bulls forward Taj Gibson to send the Mavs to the line and a steal from Mavs guard Raymond Felton leading to a Wes Matthews lay in put the Mavs up 4 with 54 seconds to go. Despite a Jimmy Butler three with 38.9 seconds left, the Mavs were able to covert on their free-throws down the stretch to hold off the Bulls for their second straight victory.
Game Notes:
- Chandler Parsons played a season-high 36 minutes, scoring 20 points including a plus-15 efficiency rating.
- The Mavs tied a season-high 16 three-pointers made on 33 attempts (49 percent).
- Dirk Nowitzki received a standing ovation from the fans in attendance at the AAC after a video tribute was played on the Jumbotron recognizing him for passing Shaquille O’Neal for No. 6 on the NBA’s scoring list during the Mavericks win in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
https://twitter.com/Gosset41/status/681152917722673152/video/1
Up next:
The Mavs take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night at 7:30 at the American Airlines Center. The game will air locally on Fox Sports Southwest.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.