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 game between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, coach Billy Donovan called a timeout after the Bulls fell behind 7-0 following a three-pointer by De’Andre Hunter. Both teams were playing less than 24 hours after competing in the NBA Cup. Cleveland had scored 148 points against the Wizards and rested their starters in the second half, while Chicago had just faced the Milwaukee Bucks.

Evan Mobley stood out early for the Cavaliers, scoring 11 of their first 22 points. Despite the fast start by Cleveland, the Bulls remained composed, relying on their strong depth to shift momentum before the end of the first quarter. Donovan's bench players sparked a 14-8 run, closing the quarter to make the score a one-possession game.

The Bulls carried that momentum into the second quarter, with Ayo Dosunmu opening the frame with an and-one layup, giving Chicago the lead and confidence. Jalen Smith was crucial in this surge, contributing 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 11 minutes. He had a remarkable halftime plus-minus of +22, as the Bulls’ bench outscored Cleveland’s second unit 35-14.

As the half progressed, the Cavaliers’ offense struggled, notably missing 13 straight three-point attempts at one point.

"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."

Author's summary: The Bulls showed resilience and bench strength to challenge a strong Cavaliers team, despite a tough start and Cleveland's early dominance.

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