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Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks preseason analysis: Pass the sticks, Bulls

By Michael Whitlow

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 04: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 04: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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After a come-from-behind victory in their preseason opener on Tuesday night, the Chicago Bulls traveled to Dallas to face the Mavericks in the second game of a back-to-back set. Here’s what transpired in Big D.

The Chicago Bulls looked like they were going to give up 200 points on Tuesday night in their preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, but settled down, came back from 17 points down and defeated the Pelicans thanks to a dagger 3-pointer from Jarell Eddie.

On Wednesday night, the 1-0 Bulls flew to Dallas for a meeting with No. 9 overall pick Dennis Smith, Jr. and the Mavericks to cap a back-to-back set to kick off the preseason slate of games.

Other than Lauri Markkanen, who was resting again on Wednesday due to back spams, the Bulls were a full-go in the second of six preseason games.

Could the Bulls move to 2-0 and maintain their place atop the Eastern Conference standings that don’t actually exist? Here’s a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the Bulls and Mavericks.

First quarter

The upside for the Bulls is that they didn’t give up 46 points in the opening frame like they did against the Pelicans.

But, they still gave up 30 points and a fair share of open looks to the Mavericks in Wednesday’s first quarter. Dallas shot 5-for-10 from 3-point range in the first quarter with Dennis Smith, Jr. — who many within Bulls Nation thought the Bulls should’ve taken in June — canning a pair of those triples.

Still, the Bulls looked good offensively in their own right. They missed five of their eight 3-point attempts in the first frame, but they continuously got fantastic looks in the right corner from deep with side-to-side ball and player movement.

Also, Kris Dunn punched back in the battle for the starting point guard sweepstakes with a couple of nice players early on.

Mavericks led it after one, 30-26.

Second quarter

Raise your hand if you honestly thought Bobby Portis could do something like he did in the second quarter.

Outside of this play from Portis and the finish from Felicio, there wasn’t much to take away from the second frame other than the praise that was given to Kris Dunn in that first quarter. Dunn finished the half having missed six of his seven total shot attempts, the Bulls only scored 17 points in the quarter as a team and trailed by six at halftime.

Mavs led it at the break, 49-43.

Halftime thoughts/notes

  • The Bulls have a serious problem at the power forward position in the early going of this year. Neither Portis or Nikola Mirotic looked great in the first half (and the night before in New Orleans for that matter) and it’s really opening the door for Lauri Markkanen to return off the back spasms and potentially steal a starting spot if he can impress in the remaining preseason games.
  • After looking like the front-runner in the point guard battle on Tuesday, Jerian Grant had an awfully quiet first half against the Mavs. In 12 minutes, Grant didn’t score, took only two shots, but did have three assists.
  • It is important to note that not only was this the second game of a back-to-back set for the Bulls, it’s the preseason. The kids are going to have some growing pains. It’s normal.
  • Hello, David Nwaba!

Third quarter

This happened. It was bad. Really bad. Insanely bad.

The Bulls scored just 14 points over about 10 minutes in the third quarter and looked like a team that had played the night before. That shows in young legs, too.

Dallas outscored the Bulls, 25-17, and the Bulls finished the first three quarters shooting just 38.7 percent from the field. They missed 16 of their 23 3-point attempts. That’s bad, right?

Fourth quarter

Jerian Grant did a thing.

Other than this fantastic play from Grant? Not much happened. Seriously.

Mavs blow out the Bulls, 118-71. Bulls fall to 1-1 in the preseason.

Next: Bulls might just have something in Antonio Blakeney

What’s next for the Bulls?

The Bulls will have Thursday off and then they’ll face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night in the first of two games at the United Center this upcoming weekend in Chicago. Tip-off time on Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

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