What we learned from the Chicago Bulls embarrassing 35-point defeat to the Dallas Mavericks

The Bulls got whooped at home by the Mavs.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls didn’t have their mojo on Monday and were humiliated by the Dallas Mavericks at the United Center, 127-92. Here are two things worth discussing from the lopsided loss.

Chicago's defense was nowhere to be found

As terrific as Dallas’ offense was, the Bulls’ inability to get stops was the biggest reason for their blowout defeat. The Mavericks shot a blistering 54.8 percent from the field, making it nearly impossible for Chicago to keep up. As always, Mavs superstar Luka Doncic was at the tip of the spear, compiling 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the first quarter alone as Dallas zoomed off to a humongous 44-16 lead.

Chicago’s defense was historically bad on Monday as Dallas’ 44-point first quarter was the first time an opponent has racked up that many since the Golden State Warriors did it in October 2018. It’s only the fifth time in the franchise’s long, decorated history that a foe has reached that mark.

.@luka7doncic now has the second-most 3-pointers in franchise history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sMUJSWSM3R

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 12, 2024

Trouble making a basket

As much trouble the Bulls had stopping the Mavs on the defensive end, they had just as much difficulty putting the ball in the hoop themselves. In fact, Chicago shot a dismal 39.3 percent from the field for the game and only managed to hit seven three-pointers out of their 34 attempts.

Third-year guard Ayo Dosunmu, who had been playing well over the last month and a half, struggled in this game, finishing with only nine points on 4-of-13 shooting. He also committed two turnovers and was an incredulous -35 on the +/- metric.

Got 48 hours to regroup. pic.twitter.com/NPCiAUBNYJ

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 12, 2024

Chicago Bulls falls flat as Dallas Mavericks pick up a 35-point victory