Taking on the 13-4 Dallas Mavericks would be a tough task.  After all, the Mavs has a future Hall of Famer in Dirk Nowitzki.  But no one expected Monta Ellis to score 38 points, including 3 free-throws with 1.2 ticks on the clock.  Ellis made those and sent the game into OT.

Derrick Rose extended it when he hit a trey at the buzzer to send it to a 2nd OT.  The Mavs got a key basket by Ellis and prevailed, 132-129 in the 2nd OT.

It was a tough game at the United Center.  The first since the Bulls ended their 15 day, 7 game road trip.

Pau Gasol had another stellar night, scoring 29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Jimmy Butler had 23 points. Mike Dunleavy had 20 points and Rose added 18 points, the last 3, sending the Bulls into a 2nd OT.

Nowitzki heated up as the game went along and scored 22 points, but it was Ellis’ night. 

“Every time we needed a big shot or a big play, he made it,” said Rick Carlisle, Mavs coach.