The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their incredible start to the season, securing a hard-fought 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Led by a spectacular performance from Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs battled back from a third-quarter deficit to push their unbeaten streak to a perfect 12-0, showcasing their resilience and championship potential in a hostile environment.
Mitchell Ignites the Cavaliers Early
From the opening tip-off, Donovan Mitchell was in complete control. He single-handedly set the pace for Cleveland, putting on a scoring clinic that left the Bulls’ defense scrambling for answers.
Mitchell was simply unstoppable in the first half, pouring in 25 points. His offensive showcase included five three-pointers that demoralized the home crowd. The highlight of the night, however, was a breathtaking 360-degree layup in the second quarter that immediately became a viral moment. It was a clear statement that Mitchell was playing on another level.
Chicago’s Brief Surge and Cleveland’s Response
The Chicago Bulls refused to go down without a fight. Coming out of halftime, they mounted a significant comeback. An aggressive third quarter saw them erase the deficit and build a nine-point lead, capped off by a pair of free throws from Ayo Dosunmu. It seemed for a moment that the Cavaliers’ perfect record was in serious jeopardy.
However, the Cavs responded like a championship-caliber team. They unleashed a swift 11-2 run to tie the game, completely shifting the momentum back in their favor. Cleveland’s defense clamped down, holding Chicago to just two made baskets in the final six minutes of the period, allowing them to enter the fourth quarter with a three-point advantage.
Cavs Close it out in the Final Quarter
The final period was a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows. A clutch fadeaway jumper by Zach LaVine tied the game midway through the fourth, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Just when they needed it most, the Cavaliers found another gear. The turning point came with a series of decisive plays:
- Evan Mobley finished a powerful alley-oop that energized the team.
- Ty Jerome came up with a crucial steal, leading to a fast-break layup for Mitchell.
This sequence sparked a 9-2 run that gave Cleveland the cushion they needed to seal the game. A key factor in their victory was their ability to capitalize on mistakes. The Cavs masterfully converted 20 Bulls turnovers into 35 crucial points.
Standout Performances on Both Sides
While Mitchell was the star of the show, several players from both teams delivered impressive stat lines. Mitchell finished his night with a game-high 36 points and eight rebounds. For Chicago, Zach LaVine led the scoring effort with 26 points.
Here is a look at the key contributors for the Cleveland Cavaliers:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | 36 | 8 | 2 |
| Darius Garland | 17 | – | 5 |
| Evan Mobley | 15 | 11 | – |
A Historic Start and What Lies Ahead
This victory marks more than just another win for the Cavaliers; it solidifies their place in the franchise’s history books. Their 12-0 start is the best in team history and the hottest start for any NBA team since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
Next up, the Cavaliers will travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. A win against the 76ers would tie the longest winning streak in franchise history. As their unbeaten run continues, the Cavaliers are no longer just a promising young team; they are proving to be serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland fans have every reason to be excited about what this team can accomplish.
