Box Score & Player Grades: Cavaliers 128, Bulls 122 – November 8, 2025

Box Score & Player Grades: Cavaliers 128, Bulls 122 – November 8, 2025

Less than two minutes into the Chicago Bulls' encounter with the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach Billy Donovan called a timeout after the Bulls fell behind 7-0, with De’Andre Hunter hitting an early three-pointer. Both teams had played in the NBA Cup less than 24 hours earlier, but Cleveland arrived energized after scoring 148 points against the Wizards and resting key players in the second half.

Evan Mobley stood out early, scoring 11 of the Cavaliers’ first 22 points. Despite the fast start by Cleveland, the Bulls remained composed, relying on their depth, which has been their greatest asset this season.

Donovan’s bench sparked a momentum shift late in the first quarter, leading to a 14-8 run that narrowed the gap to a single possession. Ayo Dosunmu then opened the second quarter with an and-one layup, giving Chicago the lead and boosting their confidence.

Jalen Smith played a vital role in the comeback, registering 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 11 minutes, and finished the first half with an impressive +22 plus-minus. Chicago’s bench outscored Cleveland’s second unit 35-14 by halftime.

As the half progressed, Cleveland’s offense struggled notably, at one point missing 13 consecutive three-point attempts.

Less than two minutes into the Chicago Bulls’ meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Billy Donovan was calling a timeout.
Jalen Smith was a major part of the turnaround, scoring 11 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 11 minutes of action.

Despite a tough stretch for the Cavaliers, the closely contested game ended with Cleveland edging Chicago 128-122.

Author's summary: The Cavaliers overcame an early deficit and a challenging offensive stretch, fueled by bench performances and strong starts from Mobley and Smith, to secure a narrow win over the Bulls.

more

Bleacher Nation Bleacher Nation — 2025-11-09

More News