Donovan Mitchell exploded for a season-high 36 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a hard-fought 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
With this win, the Cavaliers extended their remarkable start to 12-0, joining an elite club as just the eighth team in NBA history to open a season with twelve consecutive victories. Cleveland’s consistency and grit have quickly established them as a team to watch, as they continue to carve a path to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Mitchell’s stellar performance set the tone for Cleveland, but this win was anything but easy. Chicago put up a fierce fight, briefly taking a nine-point lead late in the third quarter. However, the Cavaliers showed their mettle, rallying for a second consecutive game after a similar comeback win over Brooklyn on Saturday. Mitchell’s clutch free throws in the final seconds, combined with a key layup from Darius Garland, sealed the game and extended Cleveland’s unbeaten run.
Alongside Mitchell, Garland contributed 17 points and displayed his playmaking prowess in the game’s pivotal moments. Evan Mobley, continuing to showcase his two-way skill set, posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Mobley’s efforts on the glass and his presence in the paint added much-needed balance, helping Cleveland control the tempo and keep Chicago at bay in the final stretch.
Chicago’s Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points, aggressively attacking Cleveland’s defense throughout the game. Despite LaVine’s efforts, Chicago dropped its fifth game in six outings, struggling to find cohesion as they attempted to hold off the surging Cavaliers. Supporting LaVine, Coby White and Nikola Vucevic chipped in 20 points each, but Chicago’s defense faltered late, allowing Cleveland to claw back and ultimately secure the win.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
One of the game’s defining moments came in the second quarter when Mobley converted an alley-oop layup, giving Cleveland a 52-42 advantage. It seemed like the Cavs were ready to pull away, but Chicago responded with a determined 14-2 run to retake the lead at 56-54. This back-and-forth intensity persisted into the final quarter, where both teams battled relentlessly, making for an exhilarating finish.
A major takeaway for Cleveland was the continued impact of their bench. Georges Niang, Ty Jerome, and Caris LeVert each scored 12 points, providing the depth and energy that has defined the Cavaliers’ success this season. In high-stakes moments, Cleveland’s bench has consistently risen to the occasion, giving their starters critical support and enabling head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to maintain a high-energy rotation.
For the Bulls, the storylines continue to be a mix of promise and frustration. Point guard Lonzo Ball, recovering from a right wrist sprain, made strides in his rehabilitation, as he is now brace-free and set to begin dribbling drills. Ball’s absence has been keenly felt on both ends of the floor, and his return would likely address some of the team’s recent struggles with ball movement and perimeter defense.
Turnovers proved costly for Chicago, as they committed 20 compared to Cleveland’s mere eight. These miscues fed Cleveland’s transition offense and underscored a troubling trend for the Bulls, who have struggled with maintaining possession in close games. Against a disciplined team like the Cavaliers, every mistake is magnified, and the Bulls learned that lesson the hard way on Monday night.
Down the stretch, Cleveland’s experience and poise became apparent, particularly in Garland’s ability to break down the defense for a crucial layup with 24 seconds remaining. As Mitchell knocked down two free throws shortly after, Cleveland effectively closed the door on a Chicago comeback, showcasing the Cavaliers’ growth in late-game situations this season.
Next up for Cleveland is a challenging road game in Philadelphia, where they’ll test their perfect record against another top-tier Eastern Conference contender. With Mitchell playing some of the best basketball of his career and the Cavaliers firing on all cylinders, Cleveland looks primed to continue their winning streak against the 76ers.
The Bulls, meanwhile, head to New York to face the Knicks, where they’ll aim to snap their current slump and find some much-needed consistency. LaVine’s scoring touch and Vucevic’s presence in the paint are assets they’ll need to maximize, especially if they hope to regain momentum in a competitive Eastern Conference race.
As the Cavaliers continue to impress with each win, Monday night’s game against the Bulls was yet another statement. Donovan Mitchell’s leadership, combined with Cleveland’s depth and resilience, has made this team a formidable opponent. The Cavaliers’ quest for NBA history rolls on, while the Bulls are left to regroup and find answers as the season unfolds.