Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson incredible as starter in loss to Bulls

Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson incredible as starter in loss to Bulls

The Dallas Mavericks were looking for their first winning streak of the season on Jan. 3 when they played in the Bulls in Chicago. They had to do it without Luka Doncic, though. The Mavericks superstar missed Sunday’s game with a quad contusion.

Jalen Brunson earned the spot start and the third-year guard went off. He had 12 first-quarter points and did not stop there. The 24-year-old was making plays all over the court and getting buckets against the Bulls.

The Bulls topped Dallas on Sunday night, but Brunson had the second 30-plus point game of his career. Here is a look at his best plays from the incredible performance.

Jalen Brunson drops 31 as Dallas Mavericks fall to Chicago Bulls

Brunson had it going in the first quarter. He came out aggressive and looking to create shots. The Mavs point guard had 12 points and two assists while making all four of his field goals. JB took Coby White into the post before hitting him with the one-legged fadeaway. See him sink Dirk Nowitzki’s signature shot below.

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Brunson did not stop there. He got inside for this tough finish in the second quarter.

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The 24-year-old had 18 points, one rebound, four assists, and one turnover in the first half. He was seven of eight from the field including hitting two 3-pointers. It was incredible first half from Brunson against the Bulls as the Mavericks led by one point at the break.

JB kept it going with this 3-pointer in the third quarter.

He had 23 points and five assists after the first 36 minutes of action in Chicago, but the Bulls grabbed the lead with a late-run in the third quarter.

Brunson was far from done. He came back with over nine minutes left in the final period and took over for the Mavericks on the offensive end of the floor. JB found Willie Cauley-Stein for this alley-oop midway through the quarter.

Brunson scored eight points in the fourth to give him 31 for the game. It was Brunson’s second 30-plus point game of his career. His career-high is 34 against the Spurs during his rookie season. It was an incredible night for Brunson as he finished with five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and four turnovers. He was 11 of 17 from the field including making three 3-pointers.

The team’s clutch time struggles returned as they made just three field goals in the final five minutes to allow the Bulls to grab the win on Jan. 3.

The Dallas Mavericks have no time to rest as they play in Houston on Monday night. Fans will be keeping a close eye on the status of Luka Doncic as tipoff approaches. Hopefully, the superstar can return and the Mavs can get back in the win column versus the Rockets.