The Cleveland Cavaliers remain unbeaten entering Monday’s visit to the Chicago Bulls.
They’re also aware that a torrid start quickly has transformed their profile.
“We know how hard it is to win in this league,” the Cavaliers’ Darius Garland said. “And now, 11 in a row, 11-0. We’re the hunted. We’re not the hunters no more.”
Cleveland earned its most recent victory behind a furious comeback. Hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, the Cavaliers sputtered after halftime, scoring only 13 points in the third quarter.
Behind a double-double from Evan Mobley (23 points, 16 rebounds) and big scoring efforts from Donovan Mitchell (22 points) and Garland (20), Cleveland steadied things. An 82-68 deficit with 1:03 left in the third became a 105-100 victory.
“Normally, this is 11 games in, you’re not thinking about a streak,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “But tonight, you’re like, man, ‘I don’t want it to end that this way.’ … We’re trying to win every game, but it’s kind of weirdly in the back of your mind when you’re out there competing, like, ‘man, we got to keep this thing going.’ “
Chicago is aiming to win consecutive games for the second time this season. The Bulls stopped a four-game slide with Saturday’s 125-113 win in Atlanta, relying on a big fourth quarter of their own.
Chicago outscored Atlanta 35-15 in the final period, benefiting from a balanced attack that produced eight scorers in double figures.
Ayo Dosunmu led the way with 19 points, Nikola Vucevic posted a double-double of 18 points and 12 boards, and Zach LaVine and Coby White added 18 points apiece. LaVine returned after missing the past three games with a right adductor strain.
“It’s always good to get guys back in the lineup,” he said.
Opponents have outscored the Bulls in the first quarter nine times in 10 games to begin the season. Improved pace and ball movement have been catalysts for helping the team regroup; the Bulls have recorded at least 30 assists five times.
“We just wanted to find a way to get back in the winner’s column,” Chicago guard Josh Giddey said. “I thought we started the game not great, and that third quarter really got us back in it and that group starting the fourth did an awesome job; the energy was great. I think it was a complete team effort tonight and that’s what we needed against a group like this.”
Challenging the Cavaliers, the 12th team in NBA history to start a season 11-0, will require sustained sharpness.
Cleveland knows that well from the other side, with Saturday’s frantic finish continuing the good vibes.
“Defensively, we locked in, got stops, got rebounds, boxed out, didn’t miss opportunities,” Mitchell said. “We did all the little things, and I think that’s what you saw tonight, just the effort as a whole. And that’s what made this one special.”
Cleveland has won seven of the past eight meetings against Chicago, but the Bulls lead the all-time series 133-101.
