The Chicago Bulls showed grit, balance, and energy Thursday night as they outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers 119–112 at the United Center, improving to 2–0 in the preseason. In front of a lively crowd eager to preview the new-look roster, six Bulls scored in double figures in a back-and-forth contest that wasn’t decided until the final minutes.
From the start, the game felt like a statement. Cleveland, which finished with a league-best 64 wins last season, came to Chicago looking to avenge Tuesday’s narrow one-point loss. But despite strong performances from Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, the Bulls matched every punch—relying on quick rotations, fast-break execution, and the kind of hustle that has Head Coach Billy Donovan smiling this early in October.
The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 12–2 lead in the first quarter as the Bulls struggled to find rhythm, but Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu sparked a rally through relentless tempo and quick passing. By halftime, Chicago had erased the deficit, fueled by Dosunmu’s aggressive drives and Josh Giddey’s floor control. The Bulls’ ball movement generated open looks on the perimeter, while Zach Collins and Jevon Carter punished Cleveland’s defense inside and beyond the arc.
Cleveland closed the gap repeatedly, tying the game at 110 with just over two minutes remaining. That’s when Chicago’s younger players took over. Yuki Kawamura, the 5-foot-7 guard who has quickly become a fan favorite for his speed and vision, grabbed a key rebound among Cleveland’s big men and triggered a transition play that swung momentum. Dalen Terry, Emanuel Miller, Noa Essengue, and Carter all contributed during the closing stretch—scoring, defending, and hitting free throws to give the Bulls the edge they needed.
Billy Donovan credited the team’s communication and chemistry for the victory. “It’s about trust—these guys are learning to play together, and you could feel their communication growing with every possession,” Donovan said after the game. “That’s what builds consistency, especially when you’re still experimenting with lineups.”
Chicago’s conditioning and focus on ball movement were clear. The Bulls shot 47.9 percent from the field, 83 percent from the free-throw line, and tallied 32 assists—six different players finished with at least three apiece. Jevon Carter hit four of his six three-point attempts, and Dosunmu led all scorers with 18 points and six assists. The Bulls’ hustle on defense also paid off, forcing 13 steals and maintaining pace deep into the fourth quarter despite constant substitutions.
Coby White missed his second straight game with a calf strain, and Nikola Vučević sat out for rest. Their absence gave Donovan a chance to test smaller, faster rotations anchored by Giddey and Jones. “Our pace really challenged them late,” said Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson. “Chicago’s guards were aggressive, and their bench made the difference.”
Physically, the Bulls looked sharp, contesting rebounds and driving hard to the basket. Their energy extended beyond the court as the United Center crowd amplified every fast break and three-pointer. For fans who have never attended a live game, the atmosphere at the United Center is part of the thrill—music pumps during timeouts, the Luvabulls perform, and fans fill the breaks with cheers, contests, and camaraderie. Between quarters, giveaways and games keep the audience on its feet, and halftime showcases local entertainers and youth teams. It’s a reminder that Bulls basketball is as much about community as competition.
To plan your visit or secure tickets for upcoming home games, visit the United Center’s ticket page. For the full Bulls schedule, rosters, and player news, go to the Chicago Bulls official site, and for league-wide scores and stats, check NBA.com.
With two preseason wins over Cleveland in three days, Chicago is showing early signs of progress. The Bulls next face the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Sunday, October 12, before heading to Denver to take on the defending champions. If Thursday’s performance is any indication, the Bulls’ preseason may be short, but the promise of a faster, tougher, and more connected team could stretch deep into the regular season.
Top Scorers – Chicago Bulls:
Ayo Dosunmu – 18 pts, 6 ast;
Josh Giddey – 14 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast;
Jevon Carter – 14 pts (4-of-6 3FG);
Zach Collins – 13 pts, 6 reb;
Dalen Terry – 11 pts;
Tre Jones – 10 pts, 7 ast, 5 reb.
Inactive: Nikola Vučević (rest), Coby White (calf strain).
Photos by Marcus Robinson.