5 Takeaways from Chicago Bulls’ Late Collapse Against Cleveland Cavaliers
The Chicago Bulls suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season, falling 128-122 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. Throughout the season, the Bulls had been reliable in clutch moments, winning every game where they trailed by five points or fewer in the final five minutes of regulation.
These comeback victories showcased their resilience and helped push Chicago to the top of the Eastern Conference. However, their streak of late-game success came to an end in Cleveland with this loss.
Strong First-Half Performance
After an early 7-0 run by the Cavaliers, the Bulls tightened their defense in the second quarter and went into halftime with a 16-point lead. They even stretched that lead to 19 points in the second half, appearing in control of the game.
Donovan Mitchell’s Second-Half Surge
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically due to Donovan Mitchell’s scoring revival. The Cavaliers star had struggled in the first half, scoring only three points on 1-for-10 shooting. Still, the Bulls were aware his poor start was unlikely to persist.
Ultimately, Mitchell’s impressive scoring late in the game overwhelmed the Bulls and led to their collapse down the stretch.
“The Bulls won all four of their games this season that closed with a deficit of five points or fewer in the final five minutes of regulation.”
“The streak of late-game success ended Saturday night in Cleveland with a 128-122 loss to the Cavaliers for the Bulls’ clutch defeat of the season.”
Summary
The Bulls’ late-game reliability vanished against the Cavaliers, as Donovan Mitchell’s resurgence sealed Chicago’s second consecutive loss despite a dominant first half.