Chicago BullsOpen full analysis
Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
The Dallas Mavericks dominated the Chicago Bulls 149–128 on April 12 at the American Airlines Center, surpassing the Vegas total of 249.5 points with an offensive clinic. J. Poulakidas led Dallas with 28 points, supported by A. Johnson's 20 points, as the Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field and drained 22 three-pointers to control the pace. Chicago's R. Dillingham countered with 25 points and C. Sexton added 19, but the Bulls managed only 10 three-pointers on 49.1 percent shooting overall. Dallas's 35 assists and 57 rebounds overwhelmed Chicago's 42 boards and 30 assists, while the Mavericks' defensive rating of 111.9 held the Bulls to an offensive rating of 111.9. The second quarter proved decisive, with Dallas outscoring Chicago 35–22 to build separation; the Bulls rallied in the fourth quarter with 40 points but could not overcome the deficit. Dallas's 18 turnovers versus Chicago's 13 marked a rare blemish in an otherwise dominant performance. The victory strengthens Dallas's playoff positioning heading into the final stretch.
