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 close games, a strength that helped reshape their image in the Eastern Conference.
Strong Track Record in Clutch Moments
The Bulls had won all four games this season where they faced a deficit of five points or fewer in the final five minutes of regulation. These victories demanded grit and last-second heroics, fueling their unexpected rise to the top of the conference standings.
End of the Clutch Success Streak
Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers marked the first time the Bulls failed late in a game this season. The collapse was striking, especially given the Bulls’ strong offensive momentum in the first half.
First Half Dominance
After allowing Cleveland to start with a 7-0 run, the Bulls recalibrated their defense, shutting down the Cavaliers in the second quarter. They took a 16-point lead into halftime and increased it to 19 in the second half.
Donovan Mitchell’s Impact
The turning point came as Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, who had scored only three points on 1-for-10 shooting in the first half, suddenly ignited. His resurgence overwhelmed the Bulls, who could not hold on despite their earlier efforts.
“The Bulls knew that Donovan Mitchell’s quiet first half scoring could not last,” reflecting on the team’s struggle to contain him in the second half.
Ultimately, the Bulls’ late-game resilience was tested and fell short against Mitchell’s late surge.
Author’s Summary
The Bulls’ first consecutive losses of the season revealed vulnerabilities as their late-game toughness gave way to Donovan Mitchell’s electrifying performance, ending their clutch winning streak.