The Dallas Mavericks held off a formidable challenge from the Chicago Bulls on Monday, with the Mavs coming away with a 118-110 victory at the American Airlines Center.
Following the game, Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle had nothing but good things to say about the Bulls, particularly with their impressive work ethic.
Rick Carlisle on the Bulls: "I think they are the hardest playing team in the NBA. They just come at you constantly."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 7, 2020
The Mavs took this one behind another spectacular performance from rising star Luka Doncic, who logged a game-high 38 points (14-of-24 from the field, 5-of-9 from the line), 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and a block, while also connecting on five 3-pointers.
This was not an easy win for Dallas, who as Carlisle said above, had to fend off a resilient Bulls side who just wouldn't give up. Chicago lost their prized big man Wendell Carter Jr. during the contest due to what turned out to be a sprained ankle, but despite this, the rest of the squad would fight on.
Bulls talents Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen combined for 46 points on the evening, as the duo did their best to try and lift their side to victory. In the end, though, their collective effort would prove to be futile, with the Mavs eventually able to pull away for the hard-fought victory.
That's now four straight losses for the Bulls, who continue to struggle as we near the midpoint of the season. Chicago is now 13-24, but is still just four games outside the wide open playoffs picture in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls get the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday in what should be a winnable contest for them against a 12-25 Pelicans side.
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