Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks: Wade’s Birthday Party Ruined

By Stephen Coyle

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The Chicago Bulls came into tonight’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks looking for revenge, and boy did they get their hearts broken.

Next: McDermott's 31 Points Lead the Way in Memphis

The Dallas Mavericks embarrassed the Chicago Bulls in early December in a 107-82 beatdown in Dallas. That one left a scar on this team, as Dallas has been one of the worst teams in the NBA all season. Going into tonight, this game worried me because Chicago tends to play at the level of their competition.

But there was a lot of excitement leading into tonight. It was Dwyane Wade‘s 35th birthday party, and Jimmy Butler received his Team USA Olympic championship ring before the game.

What could possibly go wrong tonight?

First Quarter: Bulls led 28-24 after one.

Chicago got off to a hot start, going on a 7-0 run in the first 90 seconds of play. Michael Carter-Williams came out aggressive looking for his shot, hitting two 3s early. According to Jeff Mangurten, the first made 3-point shot was his first after in his previous 14 attempts missed, which is an encouraging sign. For a 6-foot-6-inch point guard, if  this man can learn to consistently make shots from outside, he will one day be paid greatly in this league.

As a team, the Bulls shot very well not only from the field but behind the arc starting 4-for-4 from 3-point land. Dallas point guard and former stud Fighting Illini hero, Deron Williams, got into early foul trouble with two fouls in the first quarter. Robin Lopez had a great start to the game with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

Second Quarter: Mavs take 54-47 lead into Halftime

Cristiano Felicio got three quick fouls and was limited to only five minutes in the first half.  But before his quick exit, the birthday boy Wade connected with Felicio on a sweet alley-oop. 

https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/821535571268943872

Doug McDermott’s hot streak did not carry over from Memphis, as he shot 1-for-6 to open the half. The key for the Bulls will be to get McDermott going early, as he’s one of the best scoring options they have.

Nikola Mirotic, who apparently had lost eight pounds due to the flu in the last few days, hit a long three to bring the Bulls within three points with 3:32 left in the half.

Even though Jimmy Butler had a light first half shooting, he still managed to get five assists.  In fact, Jimmy now has a little streak going, a career best.

It was very disheartening to see the Mavs go into halftime out-rebounding Chicago 24-18. Robin Lopez finished the half with 14 points and two rebounds.

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Third Quarter: Bulls cut into 13-point deficit, down 76-74 after three.

The Bulls came out of halftime very flat as the Mavs took a 64-51 lead, their largest lead of the night. Chicago not only came out sluggish on defense, but offensively as well, only scoring four points in the first four minutes into the quarter.  

Chicago’s defense continued to give Dallas any shot they wanted, including Seth Curry who had 16 points through three quarters. The Mavs ran a series of ball screens and pick-and-rolls which seemed to confuse the Bulls defensively.

Bulls cut the lead late in the third to 71-64 with Paul Zispers’ showcase of athleticism and a coast-to-coast layup (including a sweet euro-step). 

Oh by the way… Triple Double Watch: Jimmy Butler

Fourth Quarter: Bulls drop another one to Mavs, 99-98.

Bulls tied the game right out of the gates, 76-76 with a pick-and-role lob from Rajon Rondo. Felicio does such a great job rolling to the rim after setting the ball screen. The young post player also has great athleticism and hands around the rim. If you notice when Butler and Rondo get him in a screen and role scenario, they usually look for him to role hard to the rim.

Jimmy’s free throws with 7:53 to go in the game gave the Bulls lead 86-85. Incredible how they clawed their way back into this game but when it was all said and done, it wasn’t enough as the Bulls dropped their second matchup to Dallas this year.

Butler was excellent, as usual, missing a triple double by one rebound (24-12-9). Jimmy had help tonight offensively, but as a team the Bulls had no answer for one of the worst teams in the league. A lot of late mistakes and mental mishaps in this game. Very concerning, Bulls Nation.

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