Bulls Extend Winning Streak with Explosive Performance Against Cavaliers
The Chicago Bulls are on fire! After defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers just two nights earlier, the Bulls replicated their success with a thrilling 136-125 victory on the road. This time, they showcased a remarkably efficient offensive display, once again featuring seven players scoring in double figures. Notably, Matas Buzelis and Nikola Vucevic combined to net 48 points on an impressive 20-of-35 shooting. Their teamwork resulted in 34 assists, echoing their 35 assists from the previous matchup against the Cavs, and contributing to a commendable 52.0 percent shooting performance from the field. This marks the third time in their last four games that the Bulls have shot over 50 percent. Let’s dive into the pivotal takeaways from this impressive stretch, alongside player grades.
A Fully Healthy Bulls Team
This was not just another game for head coach Billy Donovan. Aside from Noa Essengue, who is unfortunately out for the season due to a shoulder injury, the Bulls were at full strength. The return of Ayo Dosunmu after a three-game absence allowed Donovan to finally utilize his complete rotation for the first time this season. Injuries had plagued the Bulls from the start, with key players like Coby White and Zach Collins sidelined, and role players frequently cycling in and out of the lineup.
With a fully healthy roster, the Bulls looked to capitalize on their depth, especially after pulling off an upset against the Cavaliers just two nights prior. In contrast, the Cavaliers were also dealing with their own injury woes, missing star players Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr. due to illness, and already sidelined were Evan Mobley, Sam Merrill, and Larry Nance Jr. Despite their struggles, Cleveland’s reserves kept the contest competitive initially, as the Bulls took time to find their rhythm, settling for numerous jump shots early on.
However, Chicago’s revitalized energy soon began to shine through. The Bulls finished the second quarter on a 15-5 run, establishing an 11-point lead at halftime. While five Bulls players had already scored at least eight points, the Cavaliers managed to muster only two players meeting that benchmark in the first half, setting the stage for Chicago’s success.
Matas Buzelis Shines Bright
Matas Buzelis was determined to silence any doubters regarding a possible sophomore slump. The young forward wasted no time making an impact, scoring seven of the Bulls’ next 13 points after a sluggish start that saw them fall behind 11-0. His energy was infectious; he drained a three-pointer for an and-one, executed a strong finish through traffic, and delivered an emphatic two-handed slam.
Buzelis showed tremendous versatility, pushing the pace and displaying no hesitation in launching shots from beyond the arc or attacking the basket. One of his standout moments came when he sprinted coast-to-coast, leaving the Cavaliers’ defense in his wake and forcing another and-one. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Bulls seize control of the game, and his impact resonated even in crunch time with key plays like an offensive rebound that led to a trip to the free-throw line and a crucial block that enabled a fast-break layup for Tre Jones.
From the Paint to the Three-Point Line
Despite the victory, the Bulls’ strategy seemed perplexing. In their previous clash with the Cavaliers, Chicago dominated the paint, scoring 68 points inside, the highest allowed by Cleveland this season. So, it raised eyebrows when the Bulls opted for a perimeter-focused approach instead of attacking the rim aggressively.
Their reliance on three-pointers contributed to an early 11-0 deficit and allowed Cleveland to narrow the gap in the third quarter, highlighted by a 14-2 run that gave the Cavs an 87-85 lead. While the Bulls eventually regained control, their shot selection was a notable concern. They began the third quarter shooting a woeful 1-for-10 from three, while finding success closer to the basket, going 11-for-13 in the restricted area.
Fortunately, Chicago adjusted late in the game, scoring 17 of their final 20 points in the paint or at the free-throw line. It served as a reminder that better shot selection could have made the victory more comfortable, but better late than never.
Chicago Bulls Player Grades
Matas Buzelis – A
Stats: 24 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK
Buzelis’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, breaking a slump of not scoring 20+ points since December 1. He demonstrated his potential and importance to the team’s success.
Nikola Vucevic – B+
Stats: 24 PTS, 15 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK
Facing off against the formidable Jarrett Allen, Vucevic delivered one of his best games in recent weeks, particularly excelling in the fourth quarter with 11 points, including seven in the final 5:43.
Tre Jones – B
Stats: 16 PTS, 6 AST, 2 STL
Jones continued his strong play off the bench, contributing positively to the team’s success with a solid +18 plus-minus, following a standout performance against the Cavaliers previously.
Josh Giddey – C
Stats: 17 PTS, 7 AST, 6 REB
Giddey had a decent outing, hitting three three-pointers and helping Chicago create a cushion during the second quarter.
Coby White – C-
Stats: 13 PTS, 9 AST, 6 REB
While struggling to find offensive rhythm recently, White made a notable impact by facilitating plays and collapsing defenses to create opportunities for his teammates.
The Bulls’ recent performances not only highlight their offensive capabilities but also emphasize the growth of their younger players. As they continue this winning streak, the focus will remain on maintaining their health and refining their game plan moving forward.
