Cavs Comeback in 2nd Half, Top Bulls 128-122

*** As the Cavaliers start stacking wins early this season, and after a pair of one-sided wins, the squad pulled off their first comeback victory of the season – rallying back from six points down with under two minutes to play to sink the Bulls, 128-122, in a Saturday night thriller at Rocket Arena. 

The Cavs trailed by 19 points just before intermission and were down double-digits throughout much of the third quarter before roaring back to tie the game late in the third quarter. Chicago regained momentum and led through most of the fourth period, taking a six-point edge on Tre Jones’ free throws with 1:47 to play. 

But Donovan Mitchell halved the Bulls lead with a three-pointer on the next possession, got Cleveland within one with a layup one possession later and, following a missed Isaac Okoro triple, scored on an and-1 to put the Cavs up a deuce with 33 seconds remaining. De’Andre Hunter and Jaylon Tyson canned free throws in the closing moments to seal the deal. 

Mitchell continued his offensive tear on Saturday – netting 13 of his game-high-tying 29 points in the final quarter, going 5-for-7 from the floor in the final period, 10-of-24 overall, drilling five three-pointers to go with six boards, six assists and a steal. The six-time All-Star, who went off for 71 against Chicago back in 2023, has the highest scoring average of any player in league history against the Bulls – 29.3ppg in 20 all-time meetings.

Hunter had his finest offensive night of the season – tallying 29 points of his own, going 10-for-16 from the floor, including 4-of-8 from long-range, adding four boards and a pair of assists. 

Evan Mobley followed up with 24 points, as all five Cavs starters tallied double-figures – going 9-for-14 from the field, leading Cleveland with eight boards to go with five assists and a block. Mobley – who came into the contest as the only player in the NBA with at least 15 steals and 15 blocks – has rejected a shot in all 10 games this year. 

Jaylon Tyson, inserted into the starting lineup with Darius Garland getting the second half of the back-to-back off, chipped in with 17 points – his sixth straight game with double-digit scoring – going 6-of-10 from the floor, 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, adding seven boards, two steals and a pair of blocks. Jarrett Allen chipped in with 11 points and a pair of swats in the win. 

Chicago’s bench had the distinct advantage on Saturday night – outscoring Cleveland’s second unit, 58-18 – but Sam Merrill still drilled multiple three-pointers, going 2-of-6 from deep for eight points while leading both squads with eight assists. 

*** With the victory, the Wine & Gold have now won 12 of their last 13 meetings against the Bulls dating back to 2022, and are now 18-4 against Central Division foes dating back to the start of last season. 

*** After rallying past the Bulls on Saturday night, the Wine & Gold hit the road for a pair – traveling to South Beach for a pair, taking on the Heat on both Monday and Wednesday. From there, it’s a five game homestand, beginning on Thursday night when Cleveland wraps up the back-to-back when the Raptors come to town. On Saturday afternoon (5 p.m.), the Wine and Gold welcome the Grizzlies to town, followed by visits from the Bucks (11/17), Rockets (11/19), Pacers (11/21) and Clippers (11/23).