Dallas Mavericks 149-128 Chicago Bulls, NBA 2026: First-Half Blitz Sets Tone For One-Sided Contest
The Dallas Mavericks produced a dominant offensive display to defeat the Chicago Bulls 149-128 in their NBA 2025-26 clash at the American Airlines Center. Dallas took control early with a blistering first half, racing to an 80-56 lead behind sharp shooting and fluid ball movement. Rookie guard Ryan Nembhard starred with a near triple-double, recording 15 points and a franchise rookie-record 23 assists, orchestrating the offense brilliantly. John Poulakidas added a team-high 28 points, including a red-hot third quarter, while Moussa Cisse dominated the boards with 20 rebounds. Chicago showed fight through Rob Dillingham’s 25 points, but the early deficit proved too much as Dallas maintained control throughout to close out the game emphatically.
Dallas Mavericks' Klay Thompson (31) celebrates during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Dallas Mavericks' Klay Thompson shoots over Chicago Bulls' Collin Sexton during an NBA basketball game in Dallas. | Photo; AP/Albert Pena
Dallas Mavericks' Ryan Nembhard drives against Chicago Bulls' Lachlan Olbrich during an NBA basketball game in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg brings the ball up court during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Chicago Bulls' Rob Dillingham drives against Dallas Mavericks' AJ Johnson during an NBA basketball game in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Chicago Bulls' Mouhamadou Gueye dunks over Dallas Mavericks' Moussa Cisse during an NBA basketball game in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Chicago Bulls' Rob Dillingham drives past Dallas Mavericks' Tyler Smith during an NBA basketball game in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg drives the ball during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
Chicago Bulls' Collin Sexton drives around Dallas Mavericks' AJ Johnson as he's blocked by Chicago Bulls' Lachlan Olbrich during an NBA basketball game in Dallas. | Photo: AP/Albert Pena
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