Luka Doncic's Mavs Seek to Extend Winning Streak vs. Bulls: ‘We’ve Gotta Keep Going’
CHICAGO — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic enters Monday's game against the Chicago Bulls amidst a historic streak. As he seeks to guide the Mavs to a victory during an intense Western Conference standings race,
"I think it's my best season, for sure," Doncic said. "But I've still got a lot to improve."
Doncic's active historic streak includes his sixth consecutive 30-point triple-double, which was continued after he recorded 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists during Saturday's 142-124 victory over the Detroit Pistons. This performance also featured his fifth consecutive 35-point triple-double.
"That just shows where he's playing at right now, the level that he's at," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "To be able to score and also being able to find his teammates, and then lastly being able to rebound the ball to help us on the defensive end."
Following this streak, the Mavs have secured back-to-back wins for the first time since their seven-game winning streak in February. Kyrie Irving supported Doncic's effort with 21 points, as Dallas looks to improve its positioning in the Western Conference playoff standings.
"Good, as long as we get the win," Doncic said. "We got two wins now in a row, so we've got to keep going like that."
On the other hand, the Bulls face challenges after a recent 112-102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers prevented the team from achieving a 4-0 road trip and a season-high winning streak. The team continues to deal with injuries sidelining Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Lonzo Ball among others.
"I thought we started the first half well. We moved the ball and made some shots," Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. "The turnovers and our inability to make enough shots kind of impacted the third quarter."
The Mavs defeated the Bulls with a final score of 114-105 on November 2, 2023, at American Airlines Center in the first of two matchups this season. Doncic ended with just 18 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in this game, while Grant Williams, who is now a member of the Charlotte Hornets, led Dallas in scoring with 25 points. Kyrie Irving was sidelined for this game as he dealt with a foot injury.
There is more help on the way for the Mavs with rookie center Dereck Lively II rejoining the team in Chicago for Monday's game after a one-game absence due to personal reasons.
