The Dallas Mavericks edged out the Chicago Bulls 120-119 on Saturday night, securing a crucial victory in their fight for a play-in spot.
Klay Thompson led Dallas with 20 points, hitting five three-pointers, while P.J. Washington added 19.
The Mavericks (37-38) have now won two straight and four of their last five, moving 0.5 game ahead of the Sacramento Kings and 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns to take 9th place in the West.
Anthony Davis contributed 18 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists.
Matas Buzelis delivered a standout performance for Chicago, leading all scorers with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including five three-pointers.
Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each tallied 25 points, but the Bulls (33-41) fell short in their bid for a fifth consecutive win.
Dallas led by 11 points late in the fourth quarter before Chicago mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to 118-116 with 8.6 seconds left.
Thompson hit two free throws to give the Mavericks breathing room, and Vucevic drained a deep three with 0.9 seconds left to make it a one-point game.
With no timeouts left, the Bulls couldn’t stop the clock, allowing Dallas to escape with the victory.
Dinwiddie played a key role down the stretch, scoring multiple clutch baskets, including a driving layup with 36 seconds remaining.
The Mavericks shot 46.5% from the field and dominated the glass, out-rebounding Chicago 41-37.
Washington continued his strong play, hitting 8 of 15 shots while grabbing seven rebounds.
Davis struggled with efficiency, making just 7 of 23 attempts, but contributed defensively with two blocks.
Kai Jones added 15 points on near-perfect shooting (7-of-8) and played a vital role in the paint.
Off the bench, Naji Marshall provided 14 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Williams chipped in 12.
Chicago shot 47.3% overall and 42.4% from three-point range, staying competitive throughout the game.
White continued his strong scoring run, adding 11 rebounds and attacking the rim with confidence.
Vucevic controlled the interior with nine rebounds and five assists, keeping Chicago within striking distance.
The Bulls, currently ninth in the East, missed an opportunity to gain ground in their own play-in push.
