Box Score & Player Grades: Cavaliers 128, Bulls 122 – November 8, 2025
Less than two minutes into the game between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, Bulls coach Billy Donovan called a timeout. The Bulls quickly fell behind 7-0 after De’Andre Hunter hit a three-pointer.
Both teams were coming off NBA Cup games less than 24 hours earlier. Cleveland had scored 148 points against the Wizards and rested their starters in the second half, while Chicago had just played the Milwaukee Bucks.
Evan Mobley started strong for the Cavaliers, scoring 11 of the team's first 22 points. However, the Bulls remained composed, relying on the depth of their roster. This was evident late in the first quarter when Donovan utilized his bench.
- Chicago finished the first quarter on a 14-8 run, closing the gap to a one-possession game.
- Ayo Dosunmu opened the second quarter with an and-one layup, giving the Bulls the lead and boosting confidence.
Jalen Smith was instrumental in the Bulls’ comeback, scoring 11 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists in just 11 minutes. At halftime, he was a remarkable +22, as Chicago’s bench outscored Cleveland’s second unit 35-14.
As the half progressed, the Cavaliers' offense struggled significantly, at one point missing 13 consecutive three-point attempts.
“This team’s biggest strength has been its depth, and this proved itself again toward the end of the first quarter.”
Despite these struggles, Cleveland ultimately secured a 128-122 victory over Chicago.
Author's summary: The game highlighted the Bulls' strong bench contribution but Cleveland's offensive depth and resilience secured their narrow win.