Cavaliers Lose To The Bulls 132-123: Game Recap 2/28/24

Post-Game Recap

3 Notable Notes Around the Loss

1 – Rebounds 

The Cavs had a poor night on the glass, getting outrebounded 74-39.

2 – OT issues

With the Cavs up 115-12 in overtime and 13.1 seconds left, Donovan Mitchell missed a critical free throw that ended up helping extend the game.  On the Bull’s next possession, DeMar DeRozan got fouled for three by Jarrett Allen.  DeRozan would make all three free throws, sending the game into a second overtime after a Mitchell missed attempt to win the game.

3 – Free Throws

The final straw for the Cavs was the charity strike, as the Bulls made 31 for 38 while Cleveland only shot 11 for 19.  

Game Recap

Wednesday night saw the Chicago Bulls secure a hard-fought victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, prevailing 132-123 in double overtime. DeMar DeRozan led the charge with an impressive 35-point performance, while Andre Drummond dominated the boards with 26 rebounds. In the extra periods, DeRozan further showcased his prowess, adding 16 crucial points to his tally. Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly with 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Drummond chipped in 17 points, enabling the Bulls to bounce back from a prior defeat to the Detroit Pistons and overcome one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.

The Cavaliers, fresh from a dramatic win against the Dallas Mavericks, couldn’t maintain their momentum despite notable efforts from Evan Mobley, who notched 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Darius Garland, who scored 23 points including seven successful 3-pointers. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 19-point contribution, the Cavaliers fell short, unable to capitalize on their recent successes.

DeRozan’s heroics extended beyond regulation, as he converted three crucial free throws to force the first overtime and orchestrated an 8-0 run at the onset of the second extra period, ultimately securing the win for the Bulls. Despite Cleveland briefly holding a lead in the first overtime, Chicago’s resilience and DeRozan’s clutch play ensured the game would continue.

The Bulls staged a remarkable comeback after trailing by 11 points early in the fourth quarter. Vucevic’s timely 3-pointer gave them a narrow lead, but Mitchell’s clutch shot momentarily halted their momentum. Drummond’s put-back and a series of missed opportunities from both teams intensified the drama, culminating in DeRozan’s missed jumper at the end of regulation.

In the closing moments of the game, DeRozan’s composure at the free-throw line proved pivotal, as he sunk three pressure-packed shots to force the second overtime. Despite the Cavaliers’ efforts to regain control, the Bulls’ resilience and timely plays secured them a hard-earned victory in a thrilling double-overtime showdown.

Up Next

At Detroit Pistons 3/1.