On October 8, the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Chicago Bulls in a preseason showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game began with Giddey hitting a free throw to give the Bulls the first points, breaking the deadlock. Mobley and Hunter quickly combined for 4 points to steady the Cavaliers. Giddey responded with an assist to Buzelis for a basket, but it was the Cavaliers who took control as Mitchell and Hunter fueled a 12-2 run, giving Cleveland a double-digit lead.
The Bulls responded as Dosunmu sparked a rally from the bench, bringing the deficit down to just 4 points. But, with key contributions from Nance Jr. and Porter, the Cavaliers regained their composure and ended the first quarter with an 11-point lead.
In the second quarter, Hunter extended the Cavaliers' advantage with two free throws, while Pavy responded with 4 quick points. Despite Hunter and Jarrett Allen scoring to maintain the lead, Pavy's three-pointer and Buzelis’ 4-point contribution helped the Bulls reduce the gap to single digits. A 13-0 run by the Bulls turned the game around, and the half ended in a 57-57 tie.
The third quarter saw Okoro and Buzelis give the Bulls an early lead. Mobley and Hunter answered with 5 quick points. However, Buzelis continued to shine, helping the Bulls extend their lead with an 8-2 run. But with Buzelis and other key players resting, the Cavaliers’ backup Cleburne Porter exploded with two consecutive three-pointers, leading his team on a 12-0 run, taking a 7-point lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair with both teams rotating in third-string players. The Cavaliers, led by Killian Hayes, established a small lead. However, late-game heroics from Essex and Kawamura allowed the Bulls to pull ahead and ultimately secure a dramatic 118-117 victory.
This tightly contested game was more than just a preseason tune-up. It highlighted five harsh realities for both teams as they prepare for the regular season:
1. Bulls Find Their Future Star: Despite missing Kobe White, Buzelis emerged as a key player, scoring 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in an impressive performance. His development signals hope for the Bulls' future, while Okoro also found success with his move to the shooting guard position.
2. Cavaliers Regret Ball Trade: Watching Okoro thrive with the Bulls, it's clear that the Cavaliers' decision to trade him for Ball was a mistake. Ball, once a promising player, struggled with injuries and only managed 0 points in this game, a far cry from the player the Cavaliers hoped for.
3. Cavaliers' Ceiling is Low: Despite being one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers' lackluster performance raises concerns about their postseason chances. With key players like Mitchell and Allen underperforming, Cleveland may struggle to overcome their “first-round exit” destiny.
4. Hunter Shines for Cavaliers: Amidst Cleveland’s struggles, Hunter stood out, scoring 17 points and pulling down 7 rebounds. His performance shows he deserves a starting role, and the Hawks' decision to trade him looks increasingly questionable.
5. Cavaliers’ Salary Cap Woes: The Cavaliers face a looming financial crisis, with a staggering $195 million in payroll for their starting five. This puts them dangerously close to luxury tax territory, and without significant improvement, they may have to break up their core players, including Garland and Allen, in the future.
This thrilling one-point loss for the Cavaliers wasn't just about preseason results; it exposed their potential weaknesses while showing the Bulls glimpsing a brighter future ahead.
