CHICAGO -- Returning home from their annual circus road trip, the Chicago Bulls lost a double-overtime thriller, 132-129, on Tuesday night at the United Center.
The game went off to a slow start as both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm.
Mavs All-Star Dirk Nowitzki could not find his touch, shooting only 1 for 6 from the field in the opening period. And though Dallas shot 4 for 6 from 3-point range the Bulls still led 26-25 heading into the second quarter.
The Mavericks continued to shoot well from downtown throughout the second period, and they put up a 14-0 run behind Devin Harris hitting all 4 of his triples to push Dallas' lead to 12 points.
The Bulls struggled on both ends, especially when Derrick Rose bricked a shot from beyond the arc. Rose was 2 for 9 to end the first half.
When it looked like all was lost, the Bulls started the second half with a 9-0 run, thanks to a couple of Rose triples. The Bulls tied the game with a Joakim Noah steal and assist to Dunleavy for a layup.
Chandler Parsons of the Mavericks hit a big 3 and got a steal for a layup to spark a 7-0 run that ended the third quarter with Dallas leading 80-74.
Devin Harris continued his onslaught from deep while Nowitzki was held to only nine points going into the fourth quarter. The Bulls bench, behind Nikolai Mirotic's 15 points, tied the game at 96-96 with five minutes.
After a back-and-forth, the Bulls looked headed to victory when Pau Gasol's free throws gave them a 108-105 edge with four ticks left. But Dallas shooting guard Monta Ellis was fouled while attempting a 3 in the ensuing play. He sank all freebies to force overtime.
In the first overtime both teams again changed leads but another long range bomb from Parsons put the Mavs up by 3 with 7.3 seconds to go. Rose answered with his 3 to force another extra session.
In the second overtime, Ellis, who led all scorers with 38, hit the go-ahead 3 to finish off the Bulls.
Dirk Nowitizki finished with 22 for Dallas while Gasol topped the Bulls with 29 points and 14 rebounds.
Photo: Dallas shooting guard Monta Ellis exploded for 38 points to lead the Mavs past the Chicago Bulls, 132-129.
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