Cavs use Defense to Beat Bulls 109-91

Photo via Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Oh. – The Cavs started strong and finished strong as they beat the Bulls 109-91. The middle was where there were some issues, but the Cavs were able to find a way to get back to what has made them one of the hottest teams in the league. After looking like they were going to blow the Bulls out in the first half, leading 60-46, the Cavs gave up a 31-point third quarter and fell behind by 1 point. From there, the Cavs buckled down and gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter to win going away.

Jumperrrrr.

VOTE @spidadmitchell: https://t.co/RVkCQp2JNa#OnTrackToIndy pic.twitter.com/kDgCyzFVvY

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 16, 2024

The Cavs are now 10-3 since Darius Garland and Evan Mobley went out with injuries. Jarrett Allen, who had his 9^th straight double-double (10 points 19 rebounds) is on pace to secure his second All- Star appearance. Donovan Mitchell picked up where he left off in Paris as he scored 34 points to go along with 7 assist. The impressive thing was how the Cavs responded to the Bulls run. Up comfortably at 74-53, the Bulls went on a 28-6 run late in the third and early in the fourth to take their only lead of the night 81-81. From there, Mitchell and the Cavs scored 29 while the Bulls scored 10 more points. The defense started to come around. Coach JB Bickerstaff said after the game “I thought we were elite in the first quarter to kind of set the tone, then I do think there was some fatigue as guys tried to figure out their stretches and those type of things. But it got to a point where the guys knew it was winning time and found a way to dig it out. To be able to do it on command when it counts, you’ll give yourself a chance when you can do that in full force.” 

Finding a way to win has been somewhat the theme here the last month. With all the injuries, the trip to Paris… The Cavs could have folded up and punted on the season. Instead, they have dug in and found their way. The overall record now sits at 23-15, good for 4^th in the East. This team is figuring out what it will take every night and doing just that. On a season long 5 game win streak, the Cavs are playing some of their best basketball even though two of the core pieces are out. And while there isn’t a timetable on when they return, Garland did get the wiring off his jaw and was seen working out before the game as he works himself back into game shape. So, while the team has been rolling, the reinforcements are on the way.

 

The Cavs will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. The game is an ESPN game, and the Cavs will get the opportunity to show the basketball world how much better they have been and get to test their muscle and resolve against a top team in the league.