The Dallas Mavericks won 114-105 at home against the Chicago Bulls to improve to 4-0 to begin the 2023-24 season. Dallas won thanks to 24 points from Grant Williams and Tim Hardaway Jr. The Bulls were led by Zach LaVine, who scored 22 points.

Dallas’ second home game of the season got off to a shaky start, with both sides missing shots. The Mavericks ultimately settled down, with Grant Williams scoring on a pair of three-pointers to give Dallas a 13-10 advantage at the half. After swapping baskets, Tim Hardaway Jr. sought to put the game away with two consecutive three-pointers, giving Dallas an eight-point advantage. A late burst brought the Bulls within three points, but Dallas grabbed a 26-23 lead into the fourth quarter.

Dallas maintained their lead by answering any Bulls scoring attempt with one of their own. Maxi Kleber left the game early in the third quarter due to a foot injury. However, during a Chicago timeout around the seven-minute mark, the Bulls’ three-point shooting came alive. Zach Lavine’s strong shooting (he nailed his first five three-point attempts) propelled the Bulls past Dallas, giving them a 48-42 advantage. A Grant Williams three and a pair of Dereck Lively dunks put the Mavericks back in front, but it was only for a brief time. DeMar DeRozan scored on the next possession, and Chicago led 50-49 at the half.

Dereck Lively got the Mavericks started with a fantastic feed to Derrick Jones Jr. for a lay in. With Chicago sending two defenders at Doncic on nearly every pick and roll, a number of Dallas players had opportunities to score on excellent looks. Following a string of Doncic gaffes, Chicago clawed their way back into the lead. Hardaway capped a 7-0 Bulls surge with a three-pointer after a Lively offensive rebound. The rest of the quarter was spent trading baskets, with neither team gaining more than a three-point advantage. After three quarters, the Mavericks trailed 83-81.

Dallas had a rough start to the fourth quarter. After the Bulls built a five-point lead, the Mavericks appeared to be losing the game due to errors and missed shots. But Lively’s tenacity on the glass resulted in more Dallas shots, including an incredible one-handed tip out to Hardaway for a four-point play. Following a Mavericks break at the six-minute mark, the Mavericks went on a 20-11 run, including big jumpers from Grant Williams, Jared Hardy, and Josh Green. The Dallas Mavericks won 114-105 at home against the Chicago Bulls to improve to 4-0.

A collaborative endeavour

It’s safe to say that Luka Doncic’s performance (18 points on 5 of 16 shooting, seven rebounds, and ten assists) was not his best. The Bulls defended him better than any other team this season, and they got away with a lot of hard play as well.

With that in mind, it was great to watch a number of Dallas teammates come up during the game to assist in dragging this Dallas squad across the finish line. Dereck Lively did not appear to be a rookie. Tim Hardaway’s desire to shoot away paid dividends. Grant Williams looks fantastic once more. Derrick Jones Jr. is fulfilling the role that Dallas envisioned for him. I could go on and on.

Dallas cannot rely only on Luka Doncic’s skill with Kyrie Irving sidelined. These kinds of performances should instill a lot of confidence in the Mavericks as they prepare to face the defending champions in Denver on Friday.

Dereck Lively II is unique.

Through four games, it’s safe to say the rookie big has exceeded all of my expectations for him this season. I hoped that by the second half of the season, Kidd would be able to play Lively real minutes on a consistent basis. Given the history of rookie big men, this seemed like a hefty order, but it was doable.

He’s the Dallas big guy who matters after four games. His sheer stature and strength provide Dallas with something they haven’t seen in a long time. He makes good use of his size on defence and on offence, gaining Dallas extra possessions via effort and strength. His stat total is incredible: seven points, 13 rebounds (seven on offence! ), six assists, two steals, and a block. These are not rookie figures. What a comeback game after a game marred by foul trouble.

Jaden Hardy, welcome to the season!

Staying ready is likely the simplest way to describe one of the most difficult responsibilities for an NBA player. Second-year guard Jaden Hardy shown exceptional mental toughness on Wednesday night. Hardy struggled in his initial appearance off the bench against the Bulls, but when given a second chance, he took full advantage by staying inside himself and letting the game come to him. His spectacular stop-start layup in the fourth quarter, as well as his lethal three later in the period, helped propel the Mavericks over the finish line against a gritty Bulls club. With how deep Dallas goes, he won’t always get consistent minutes, but when he does, he has all the talent to capitalise on those opportunities. The Mavericks require him.