Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a dramatic 108-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls during Wednesday’s NBA action, rallying from a 17-point deficit with a decisive 30-point performance.
Mitchell’s critical free throw with just 44 seconds remaining pushed the Cavaliers ahead, and his additional free throws near the game’s end solidified their win on Wednesday night.
As the clock wound down, Coby White‘s attempt to tie the game with a 3-pointer fell short, leaving the Cavaliers to celebrate their narrow lead after Mitchell’s clutch free throws.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Coby White, Chicago Bulls Updates
Isaac Okoro contributed 16 points, and Jarrett Allen added a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting Cleveland’s resilience and dominance, boasting an 18-2 record in their recent stretch and standing at the top of the NBA with a 23-5 record since December 16. The team’s impressive home record and fighting spirit were key to overcoming the early deficit.
“This team just has fight, that never-give-up mentality, like we needed today,” Okoro said. “When we got down, we kept fighting and were more physical, aggressive pushing it and playing faster on offense.”
White shone for the Bulls with 32 points, with a notable performance in the second half, while DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond played significant roles. Despite the loss, the Bulls finished their four-game stretch with a balanced 2-2 record as they head into the NBA All-Star break.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Coby White, Chicago Bulls Updates
The game featured intense moments, with seven lead changes and nine ties in the final minutes, demonstrating the competitive nature of both teams. Despite the disappointment, White reflected on the importance of experiencing and growing from such critical game moments.
“These moments define the game, so I’ve got to take it on the chin and be better the next time,” White said. “Nothing can prepare you, except for going through them. I’m pretty ticked I didn’t make the last shot, but it means a lot to be put in that position.”
The Cavaliers’ comeback was fueled by a collective effort, including notable contributions from Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Georges Niang, underscoring the team’s depth and belief in their strategy, especially in the second half’s improved 3-point shooting.
“This group believes in what they’re doing, so no one felt like they had to change and do something different when the shots weren’t falling,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.” Sticking with it, we score 37 points and the fourth quarter and win the game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Coby White, Chicago Bulls Updates
Injuries and illness impacted both teams, with the Bulls’ Patrick Williams sidelined and the Cavaliers’ Sam Merrill and Dean Wade missing the game due to illness.
“The last two months have been kind of crazy because of injuries, but we pushed through it,” DeRozan said. “When we come back, we need to put everything and more into the last 27 games.”
Both teams look ahead to their next matchups, with the Bulls facing the Boston Celtics and the Cavaliers taking on the Orlando Magic, aiming to maintain momentum as the season progresses.
