Mavericks edge past Bulls in double overtime

Monta Ellis

Chicago, IL

Thrilling end to an entertaining game

Monta Ellis scored a game-high 38 points and Chandler Parsons added 24 points with 7 boards for the Dallas Mavericks in their 132-129 double overtime victory over Chicago Bulls. Mavs extended their winning streak to 4 and went 3-0 in their current 4-game east coast road trip. Pau Gasol lead the way for the Bulls who scored 29 points and 14 rebounds for the Bulls who finally played a home game after a long 7-game road trip.

Ellis came up big for Dallas as he hit crucial free throws at the end of the 4th quarter. He was fouled while shooting a three pointer by Kirk Hinrich with with 1.2 seconds left. Ellis calmly sank the three free-throws to send the game into overtime.

Bulls responded to late surge

As Ellis scored a seemingly miracle play to send the game into overtime, Chicago’s native Derrick Rose answered. Rose was pretty much struggling throughout the game, shooting 6-20 on the field with just 18 points, and turned the ball over seven times. But timely shots were made by the former MVP. With Chicago down by 118-121, the Bulls inbounded the ball to Rose who hit a buzzer beater three-pointer to send the game into second overtime.

Chicago started the second overtime with three turnovers that Dallas capitalized to score the first six points. Chicago shrugged off their nerves and went on an 8-0 run capped by a flushed dunk by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, to take a 129-127 lead.

Magical Ellis won the game for Dallas

All game long, Ellis was crucial for Dallas. In a broken play by the Mavs, Ellis shot a long three from the top key to give Dallas the lead for good. Parsons added two late game free throws to give the Mavericks a three-point lead. Rose shot another desperation-three-pointer to send the game into triple overtime, but his attempt was way off the mark.

Dirk Nowitzki went for a double-double effort with 22 points and 10 dimes. Nowitzki was obviously dealing with a back problem throughout the game. Resting his back on a rolling mat, the German managed to somehow see out the game.

Dallas will end their east coast road trip with a game against the Jason Kidd-led Milwaukee Bucks tommorow night. Chicago will hit the road once again to take on strugglers Charlotte Hornets.