CHICAGO -- Here's our three quick takeaways from the Mavericks' 99-98 victory over Chicago. It was the first time this season they have won three games in a row and improved their overall record to 14-27 at the midpoint of the season.
Rare close shave: The Mavericks haven't been involved in a lot of tight finishes, but this one definitely qualified. They were up by 13 in the third quarter, but lost that lead by the fourth, trailing 94-90 with under three minutes to go. Harrison Barnes hit a 3-pointer and after Nikola Mirotic missed, Deron Williams hit a short jumper on the baseline for a 95-94 lead and the Mavericks forced a Jimmy Butler turnover.