Mavs LIVE Updates: - FINAL Dallas 113 vs. Chicago 99
The Dallas Mavericks are on a tear lately, having won five games in a row and six of their last seven. During this successful stretch, the Mavs have scaled up the NBA's offensive and defensive rankings. As of today, the Mavs own the fifth-best defensive rating in the league. And although their offensive rating is only ranked 17th, that's a much better sight than the No. 26 ranking that was there a few weeks ago.
If you look at just the last 10 games, the numbers are even more impressive, as Dallas boasts the best defense in the league during that span, and the 12th-best offense. The Mavs have the second-best overall net rating during that stretch as well, with only the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of them.
On Sunday night at American Airlines Center, the Mavs take on a team that has been even hotter than they've been in the Chicago Bulls (26-10). The Bulls currently sit atop the Eastern Conference and have won nine-straight games of their own. Led by Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, Chicago has wasted no time solidifying itself as a legitimate championship contender this season.
Although the Bulls enter tonight's matchup as two-point favorites over the Mavs, it wouldn't shock us if Dallas found a way to come out on top in this one, especially since superstar Luka Doncic is making his return after a one-game absence due to an ankle sprain.
The Mavs are just four days removed from having dismantled the revamped Golden State Warriors on Dirk Nowitzki's jersey retirement night. The Warriors were sitting at the top of the Western Conference at the time, and Dallas held them to a season-low 82 points, so we know they are capable of beating just about anyone these days.
Follow DallasBasketball.com throughout the night for live updates throughout the game.
Starting Lineups
Mavericks: Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell
Bulls: Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Derick Jones Jr., Nikola Vucevic
First Quarter (4:38): Bulls 17, Mavs 14
The Mavs started out on a 10-2 run, but the Bulls quickly answered with a 15-4 run of their own. So far, this one is living up to the hype.
End of First Quarter: Bulls 32, Mavs 22
DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine combined for 15 points, giving the Bulls a 10-point cushion. Things looked good early for the Mavericks, but the Bulls' balanced offense gained rhythm following the Mavs' 10-2 run. Luka Doncic felt the effects of Lonzo Ball's smothering defense, as he coughed up the ball three times.
Second Quarter (7:01): Bulls 43, Mavs 33
Every time the Mavs start to cut into the Bulls' lead, Chicago comes back with some nearly impossible offense to defend, mostly by DeRozan. Mavs are still handing tough, though.
Halftime: Bulls 55, Mavs 54
Dallas produced 15 bench points, including nine points from Tim Hardaway Jr. Josh Green contributed with four points and a drawn charge late in the quarter. Unfortunately, the offensive onslaught of the Bulls continued to keep the Mavs at bay.
Third Quarter ( 3:42 ) Mavs 72, Bulls 71
Dallas took its first lead of the game early in the quarter, but Chicago insisted on making this a close contest. Expect this game to be decided within the last minute.
End of Third Quarter: Mavs 83, Bulls 79
Both teams exhibited a positively stubborn showing in the third quarter. The Bulls and Mavs experienced multiple lead changes, alluding to a classic finish. Doncic heads into the final quarter flirting with a triple-double, with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
Fourth Quarter (6:24) Mavs 102, Bulls 88
It's raining threes in Dallas, and it seems the Bulls forgot their umbrella. Maxi Kleber converted on a career-high six three-point field goals. Although the Mavericks have the lead, don't expect the Bulls to go quietly.
Final: Mavs 113, Bulls 99
In one of the more impressive wins of the season, Dallas eviscerated the Bulls with six three-point buckets in the fourth quarter. While the victory must taste sweet, the added bonus of another Doncic triple-double makes for a historic evening.
