In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls, marking their 12th consecutive win to start the NBA season. Donovan Mitchell led the charge for the Cavaliers with a season-high 36 points, supported by strong performances from Darius Garland, who contributed 17 points, and Evan Mobley, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
This win showcased the Cavaliers' offensive prowess once again, as they scored over 110 points for the 11th time this season. The game came down to the wire, with Garland's crucial layup and Mitchell's free throws sealing the victory for Cleveland in the final seconds.
Despite a valiant effort from the Bulls, led by Zach LaVine's 26 points and contributions from Coby White and Nicola Vucevic, Chicago suffered their fifth loss in six games. The Bulls had briefly held a nine-point lead in the third quarter before the Cavaliers mounted a comeback, mirroring their previous game against Brooklyn.
Key contributors off the bench for the Cavaliers included Georges Niang, Ty Jerome, and Caris LeVert, each scoring 12 points to bolster the team's performance. On the Bulls' side, the absence of point guard Lonzo Ball due to a right wrist sprain was felt, although he is expected to resume dribbling drills soon.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Mobley's alley-oop layup propelled the Cavaliers to a 52-42 lead in the second quarter, only for the Bulls to respond with a 14-2 run and take a narrow lead at 56-54. However, Cleveland's resilience and ability to capitalize on Chicago's turnovers proved decisive, with the Bulls committing 20 turnovers compared to the Cavaliers' eight.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, aiming to extend their impressive winning streak. Meanwhile, the Bulls will take on the New York Knicks in their next matchup, seeking to bounce back from their recent losses.
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