Mavs top Bulls for first road win

[November 13, 2018]  It took seven tries, but the Dallas Mavericks finally notched their first road win of the season by holding off the Chicago Bulls, 103-98, Monday night.

Harrison Barnes led the Mavs to a second consecutive victory and their first road win since last March with 23 points, five rebounds and four steals. Dennis Smith Jr. scored all 11 of his points in the second half to help keep the Bulls, who got within one point three times down the stretch, at bay.

The struggling Bulls failed to win consecutive games thanks to an ugly shooting night, dipping to 39.3 percent for the game, including 8-of-33 from beyond the arc. They turned the ball over 17 times. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 26 points, giving him at least 20 in every game this season.

Dallas took charge with a 15-3 run to end the first quarter and then expanded that run in the second quarter to 29-8 for a 41-27 bulge that the Bulls never could quite overcome despite several bursts that put them on the cusp of taking the lead. But each time they failed to convert and saw Dallas increase its lead.

The Bulls got to within one point one last time, 81-80 with 10:30 to go, but Dallas, as it did all game, answered with a 6-0 run to regain control.

Dallas had six players finish in double-digit scoring to sweep the season series from the Bulls. Along with Barnes and Smith, Luka Doncic's big 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter and a late free throw gave him 11 points to go with six rebounds and three assists.

Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Mavs, playing without Wesley Matthews because of a hamstring injury, got major production from their bench, led by guard J.J. Barea's 14 points, five assists and five rebounds. Forward Dwight Powell finished with 11 points, and Maxi Kleber added 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc.

Chicago simply couldn't get enough offense. Jabari Parker finished with 16 points and six rebounds, and Justin Holiday had 14 points.

--Field Level Media

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