Having to face an abysmal down year mainly due to the infamous trade that dealt franchise icon Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers last year, the Dallas Mavericks gave fans one last bright spot at home, dealing the Chicago Bulls a 149-128 blowout in their season finale on Monday. It was the Mavs’ 26th win of the season as against 56 defeats
Wrapping up his debut year in the league, undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard broke the Mavs’ record for most assists in a game by a rookie, dishing out 23 dimes and beating an achievement held by his own head coach, Jason Kidd.
“Obviously it’s the end of the year, and we got some different lineups out there, but it’s just fun to go out there competing with these guys—a good way to close out the year,” Nembhard said postgame.
Cooper Flagg Ends Historic Year with Yet Another Injury
Proving to be their sole bright spot amidst a season full of lineup shakeups, Cooper Flagg has shown himself to be the future of Dallas after bidding goodbye to Dončić. However, his final game of his rookie season was ultimately cut short.
In the opening minutes of the second quarter, Flagg landed awkwardly on his left leg, which forced him to exit the game early, finishing with only 10 points and 4 rebounds. Despite the painful end, the 19-year-old finished his rookie year with averages of 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 70 games.
With the return of stars Kyrie Irving and PJ Washington next year, along with the continued improvement of Flagg, a return to the postseason may come soon enough for the Dallas Mavericks.
Bulls Head Into Rebuilding Offseason of Their Own
Finishing with a 31-51 record, the Chicago Bulls will miss the postseason for the first time in four years, after being consistent visitors of the Play-In Tournament.
Newly acquired guard Rob Dillingham led the offense with 25 points off the bench, while rookie Lachlan Olbrich notched his first career triple-double, tallying 10 points, 10 assists, and 15 rebounds.
“Thank you, Bulls Nation, for your support and passion through it all—the best is yet to come,” the Chicago Bulls said in a heartfelt social media post.
