Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls: NBA Game Recap

The Dallas Mavericks concluded their 2025-26 NBA season with a 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 12, 2026. While the Mavericks secured a blowout win at the American Airlines Center, the game ended on a negative note for the franchise as their No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, exited the game with an injury.

The contest was described as a meeting of also-rans that resembled a summer league game, with both teams struggling throughout the season. The Mavericks entered the game with a 26-56 record, while the Chicago Bulls held a record of 31-51.

Record-Breaking Performances

Ryan Nembhard delivered a historic performance, setting a new Dallas Mavericks rookie record by recording 23 assists. This achievement surpassed the previous rookie club record of 17 assists established by Jason Kidd during the 1994-95 season. Nembhard also contributed 15 points to the Mavericks’ total. His 23 assists were the most in a regulation game in franchise history, falling two short of the overall club mark of 25 set by Kidd in a double-overtime game in February 1996.

Moussa Cisse also reached a franchise milestone, recording 20 rebounds and 17 points. Cisse’s 20 rebounds tied the rookie club record originally set by Roy Tarpley during the 1986-87 season. John Poulakidas led the Mavericks in scoring with 28 points, while Tyler Smith and AJ Johnson each contributed 20 points.

The Mavericks exhibited significant depth during the finale, with eight players reaching double figures. Notably, all nine players who entered the game from the bench scored in double figures.

Injury to Cooper Flagg

The victory was overshadowed by an injury to 19-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg. Early in the second quarter, Flagg appeared to roll his left ankle while fighting for a rebound. He left the court with a team trainer with just over 10 minutes remaining before halftime. Seven minutes before the end of the first half, it was announced on the broadcast that Flagg would not return to the game.

In his 10 minutes of play, Flagg recorded 10 points and four rebounds. A contender for the Rookie of the Year award, Flagg finished the season averaging 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 70 games.

Veteran Milestones and Game Flow

Veteran Klay Thompson achieved two significant milestones during the game. He moved into 100th place on the NBA’s all-time scorers’ list following a three-pointer from the right corner. Thompson also hit 200 made three-pointers for the 11th time in his career.

Dallas established early control with a 16-0 run in the first quarter, fueled by Khris Middleton and Max Christie, who each hit two three-pointers. The Mavericks led 45-34 going into the second quarter, having shot 65.2 percent from the field, and 53.8 percent from beyond the arc in the opening period. Following Flagg’s exit, the Mavericks’ reserves continued to shoot effectively from three-point range.

Chicago Bulls Outlook and Final Standings

For the Chicago Bulls, Rob Dillingham led the scoring effort with 25 points. The Bulls finished the season with a 31-51 record, which locked them into the ninth-worst record in the league heading into the lottery.

The Bulls organization enters an uncertain offseason as they search for a new head of basketball operations. There is also an ongoing decision regarding the future of head coach Billy Donovan, although CEO Michael Reinsdorf has stated that he wants Donovan to return.

The Dallas Mavericks ended the season with a 26-56 record. They began April 12, 2026, tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the sixth-worst record in the NBA but finished tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the seventh-worst mark. The Pelicans won the season series against the Mavericks.