5 takeaways from Chicago Bulls’ late collapse against Cleveland Cavaliers for their 2nd loss in as many nights

5 Takeaways from Chicago Bulls’ Late Collapse Against Cleveland Cavaliers

The Chicago Bulls experienced back-to-back losses for the first time this season, falling 128-122 to the Cleveland Cavaliers after a strong first half.

Steady Clutch Performance Shattered

Throughout the season, the Bulls had excelled in close finishes, winning all four games decided by five points or fewer in the final five minutes of regulation. Their resilient late-game execution highlighted a team eager to redefine its standing in the Eastern Conference. However, that streak ended abruptly in Cleveland with their first clutch loss of the year.

Strong First Half Offensive Momentum

Despite allowing Cleveland to open with a 7-0 run, the Bulls tightened their defense in the second quarter and led by 16 points at halftime. They extended their advantage to 19 points early in the second half.

Donovan Mitchell’s Second-Half Surge

After a quiet first half, where he scored just 3 points on 1-for-10 shooting, Donovan Mitchell ignited the comeback for the Cavaliers. He tallied 26 points in the second half, including multiple three-pointers that shifted the momentum decisively.

"Mitchell quickly heated up in the second half, scoring 26 points while peppering 3-pointers to fuel a comeback."

Effort and Clutch Playfalls Short

The Bulls had relied on grit and last-minute heroics to secure close wins earlier in the season, but this time those qualities weren’t enough to withstand the Cavaliers' rally.

Impact on Bulls’ Season Standings

The loss marked a notable setback for the Bulls as they had been rising to the top of the conference standings with their late-game resilience. It exposed areas that need addressing if they want to maintain their position.

Summary: The Bulls’ first back-to-back defeat revealed vulnerabilities in clutch moments, especially against a reinvigorated Donovan Mitchell, challenging their reputation as a strong late-game team.

Chicago Tribune — 2025-11-09