NBA: Luka Doncic scores 27 as Mavericks pull away from Bulls

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts while dribbling during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic had 27 points and 13 assists to lead the host Dallas Mavericks past the cold-shooting Chicago Bulls 119-99 in the NBA on Wednesday night.

The Mavericks feasted on poor Chicago transition defense, scoring 21 fastbreak points, and led by as much as 30.

The Bulls, playing without All-Star Zach LaVine (adductor strain), shot just 41.9 percent from the floor and were 12-of-42 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range.

Chicago has lost three straight.

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The first half was marked by a series of runs. It was the Bulls who started first, racing out to a 7-3 lead after a spin move and basket by Nikola Vucevic in the lane. Vucevic finished with a team-high 14 points in 25 minutes.

But the rest of the first quarter was dominated by the Mavs, specifically Kyrie Irving. The Mavs went on a game-changing 17-0 run and made eight straight shots during the quarter. Irving had 15 of his 17 points in the first as Dallas led 32-24 after 12 minutes.

Chicago went on a run in the second quarter with Josh Giddey making a 3-point to help pull the Bulls to 43-37 with six minutes left, but that was as close as they would come. Doncic sparked a 10-2 Dallas run with four free throws and a short jumper to push the lead back up to double digits. Dallas held a 56-45 lead at halftime.

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Dallas went on a 13-0 run to open the second half, capped by a three by Klay Thompson to make it 69-45 with 8:46 left in the third. Thompson finished with 13 points and was 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.

Doncic went to the bench for good with 7:24 left and the Mavericks up 97-74.

The Mavericks played without center Dereck Lively for a second straight contest. He injured his shoulder in warmups before Monday’s against Indiana. Forward P.J. Washington missed Wednesday’s contest with a knee sprain.

Dallas lost another big man when Daniel Gafford took a knee to the thigh from Vucevic in the second quarter. He did not return. –Field Level Media