Box Score & Player Grades: Cavaliers 128, Bulls 122 – November 8, 2025
Early in the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bulls coach Billy Donovan called a timeout after his team fell behind 7-0, with De’Andre Hunter sinking a three-pointer. Chicago was less than 24 hours removed from playing the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup, while Cleveland had also played in the NBA Cup, putting up 148 points against the Wizards and resting their starters in the second half.
Evan Mobley was particularly effective, scoring 11 of the Cavaliers’ first 22 points. However, the Bulls remained composed, relying on their depth—a key strength of the team. Donovan’s bench players sparked a momentum shift late in the first quarter, leading Chicago to a 14-8 run and closing the gap to a one-possession game.
Second Quarter Shift
Ayo Dosunmu opened the second quarter with an and-one layup, pushing the Bulls into the lead and boosting their confidence. Jalen Smith played a crucial role in the comeback, scoring 11 points along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in just 11 minutes. He finished the first half with a remarkable +22 plus-minus rating, as the Bulls’ bench outscored Cleveland’s second unit 35-14.
Cavaliers’ Offensive Struggles
As the half progressed, the Cavaliers’ offense began to falter, missing 13 consecutive three-point attempts at one stage.
"Jalen Smith was a major part of the turnaround, scoring 11 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 11 minutes of action. He would go into halftime a ridiculous +22."
The Bulls’ resilience and bench depth were pivotal in keeping the game competitive despite Cleveland’s strong start.
Author’s summary: The Bulls' bench depth and key plays by Jalen Smith fueled a comeback against a strong Cavaliers team, despite Cleveland's explosive early scoring and struggles later in the half.