Cleveland keeps proving that they’re a team to be taken seriously, extending their winning streak to 12 games after a hard-fought 119-113 victory over the Bulls on Monday night. The Cavaliers' undefeated start is setting a new standard, and they’re showcasing skill, consistency, and a roster well-acquainted with each other’s strengths.
Chicago, meanwhile, brought intensity and resilience, making this a highly competitive game that saw 32 lead changes and ties. With the score knotted at 106 with five minutes left, both teams seemed poised for a nail-biting finish.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan acknowledged his team’s effort, saying, “We really competed and played hard and did a lot of really, really good things.” But he noted a troubling pattern of self-inflicted errors that ultimately tilted the game in Cleveland’s favor. Chicago’s 21 turnovers, many of them unforced, proved costly as Cleveland turned those mistakes into 35 points.
A critical error occurred when Coby White, with less than a minute to go, drove into a double team rather than passing to an open Ayo Dosunmu on the wing. Chicago trailed by just four points at the time, but that possession ended with a missed Patrick Williams three-pointer, and Cleveland took control with a Darius Garland layup that effectively sealed the win.
Donovan reflected on his team’s struggles with decision-making and noted that many turnovers stemmed from “carelessness,” with players driving into crowded areas unnecessarily. For the Bulls, it’s not only about inexperience but also adjusting to a new offensive style that emphasizes quick decisions, three-point shots, and extra passes. Donovan pointed out that executing this style correctly requires disciplined play and sound decision-making, and that’s still a work in progress for the team.
For younger players especially, Donovan noted that decision-making will improve over time, though the process comes with “growing pains.” He added that “it’s not all the young guys” responsible for turnovers, referencing Coby White and Josh Giddey, who together committed nine. Donovan explained that the players need to make split-second decisions, but adjusting to a fast-paced offense isn’t easy, particularly as many players are just beginning to find their rhythm.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine continued to shine as a leader on the floor, putting up 26 points on an efficient shooting performance, hitting 52% from the field and 42% from three-point range. Donovan praised LaVine’s contributions, emphasizing that his defensive efforts and unselfish play are among the best he’s shown in his career.
LaVine has adapted well to the team’s faster tempo, stepping up as both a scorer and a defender, often assigned to guard the opponent’s top perimeter player. With his well-rounded game and positive impact on both ends, LaVine is emerging as one of the Bulls’ most reliable assets.
The Bulls’ situation is complicated by the absence of key veteran presences, particularly DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, both of whom were not only strong players but also high-IQ decision-makers in high-stakes moments. Their departures have left a void, especially in close games, as DeRozan was one of the league’s elite clutch performers. Donovan is left with a roster in transition, and while the team is eager to embrace a faster-paced style, it’s a demanding shift that comes with a learning curve.
Despite the defeat, other Bulls players contributed notably, with Nikola Vučević and Coby White both scoring 20 points, while Giddey tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Patrick Williams recorded his first double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and young players Ayo Dosunmu, Dalen Terry, and Julian Phillips injected energy, particularly in the third quarter when the Bulls rallied from a nine-point deficit to trail by just three entering the final period.
However, the Cavaliers’ bench outperformed Chicago’s with a decisive 39-16 advantage, and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell once again proved to be a “Bulls killer,” scoring 36 points with seven three-pointers, including 10 points in the fourth quarter.
The Bulls did manage to keep pace with Cleveland for most of the game, showing moments of promise, but ultimately they fell to a 4-7 record. Cleveland’s roster, however, has been able to maintain continuity, which has translated to success on the court. With a new head coach guiding them, the Cavaliers are building on last season’s playoff experience and demonstrating an impressive level of cohesion. Their players know each other’s tendencies well, which gives them an edge, particularly in late-game situations.
Monday’s game underscored some of the Bulls’ key areas for improvement. By halftime, Chicago had already committed 11 turnovers, leading to 22 points for Cleveland. Yet, the Bulls kept themselves in contention, even briefly leading 35-34 after the first quarter, thanks to a strong start from Adama Sanogo, who filled in for Jalen Smith.
Chicago’s persistence was evident, with LaVine and Giddey contributing in various ways and White hitting some crucial three-pointers. Still, Cleveland’s athleticism and discipline inside made a difference, as they tallied 56 points in the paint, highlighting an area of defensive vulnerability for the Bulls.
As the game drew to a close, the Cavaliers’ confidence and composure carried them through. Mitchell’s dazzling moves, capped by a missed but powerful dunk attempt, energized the Cleveland crowd, and Garland’s decisive plays down the stretch ensured they stayed undefeated. Although the Bulls have reason for optimism, they’re still learning to gel as a unit under Donovan’s new fast-paced system.
Reflecting on the game, LaVine acknowledged both the team’s progress and their need to reduce mistakes. “We had a good game overall,” he said, “but there were a couple of moments where we beat ourselves.
They’re a good team; you can’t have that many mistakes against them. We had a chance to win, but they took it over in the fourth.” As the Bulls look ahead to their next matchup against Cleveland, they aim to tighten up their execution and come out with a victory.
While the Cavaliers are riding high on their undefeated streak, the Bulls are a team in transition, trying to find their identity and consistency. With an eye on improvement, they’ll continue striving to build chemistry and adapt to a faster, more dynamic style of play, while Cleveland continues to rock on, buoyed by experience and momentum.
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