Box Score & Player Grades: Cavaliers 128, Bulls 122 – November 8, 2025
Less than two minutes into the Chicago Bulls’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach Billy Donovan called a timeout after the Bulls fell behind 7-0, sparked by De’Andre Hunter’s three-pointer.
Both teams were coming off less than 24 hours since their NBA Cup games. Cleveland had beaten the Wizards with a high-scoring 148-point game, allowing them to rest their starters in the second half. Evan Mobley stood out, scoring 11 of the Cavs’ first 22 points.
Despite the slow start, the Bulls remained composed. Their depth showed as Donovan turned to his bench, which sparked a momentum shift. Chicago closed the first quarter with a 14-8 run, narrowing the gap to a single possession.
Ayo Dosunmu started the second quarter strong with an and-one layup, giving the Bulls the lead and boosting their confidence.
Key Contributions from the Bulls Bench
- Jalen Smith played a crucial role in the comeback, contributing 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 11 minutes.
- Smith’s impact was evident in his +22 plus/minus at halftime, lifting the Bulls' second unit to outscore Cleveland’s bench 35-14.
As the first half progressed, the Cavaliers’ offense struggled, 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 an uneven start and offensive woes, the contest remained tightly contested as both teams battled for control.
Author’s summary: The Bulls showed resilience and bench strength to overcome an early deficit, but Cleveland’s explosive start and tough defense kept the game competitive throughout.
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