Cavaliers Make History with 12-0 Start, Marking Only the 8th Undefeated Streak of Its Kind in NBA History
In a remarkable showcase of skill and resilience, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a hard-fought 119-113 win against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Scoring a season-high 36 points, Mitchell anchored his team’s efforts, maintaining Cleveland’s undefeated record at 12-0, which is now officially the best start in franchise history. This victory, filled with standout moments, showed why Cleveland is emerging as one of the top teams to watch this season and highlighted Mitchell’s influence on the court.
Playing on the road, the Cavaliers had their work cut out for them as they faced a Bulls team ready to snap their winning streak. Cleveland initially trailed by nine points in the third quarter but made a determined comeback, showing the kind of resilience that’s defined their season. This win also gave coach Kenny Atkinson a continued perfect start in his first season at the Cavaliers’ helm, as he’s helped guide his team through a challenging early schedule with unblemished results.
Mitchell was electric from beyond the arc, shooting 7-for-13 from three-point range and securing eight rebounds. He seemed to answer every run the Bulls made, keeping Cleveland in contention and ensuring they had the momentum to close out the game. Evan Mobley, the young standout forward for the Cavaliers, also played a crucial role. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, solidifying Cleveland’s presence on both ends of the floor. Mobley’s rebounding efforts provided essential second-chance opportunities that helped turn the game in Cleveland’s favor during critical moments.
The Bulls put up a fierce fight, with six players scoring in double figures. Zach LaVine led the team with 26 points, followed closely by Coby White and Nikola Vucevic, each contributing 20 points. Meanwhile, Josh Giddey added 18 points, complemented by eight rebounds and seven assists, and Patrick Williams notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu added 10 points, rounding out a strong offensive night for Chicago, who shot an impressive 49.4 percent from the field. Despite their shooting efficiency, the Bulls struggled with turnovers, committing 21 that Cleveland converted into 35 points—a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.
MONDAY’S FINAL SCORES
Donovan Mitchell leads the @cavs to the 8th 12-0 start in NBA history!
Darius Garland: 17 PTS, 5 AST, 4 STL
Evan Mobley: 15 PTS, 11 REB pic.twitter.com/ifepm2RSPw— NBA (@NBA) November 12, 2024
The turning point came late in the third quarter. Dosunmu’s free throws gave the Bulls their largest lead of the night at 85-76, but Cleveland responded immediately. Within a span of 1:33, the Cavaliers tied the game with a nine-point run. While Chicago momentarily regained the lead, Cleveland closed the third quarter on a powerful 19-7 run, ensuring they carried the momentum into the final quarter. Caris LeVert contributed seven points during this surge, providing much-needed scoring depth alongside Mitchell.
The game remained close as both teams battled down the stretch. With just over five minutes left, LaVine hit a clutch fadeaway to tie the game at 106, setting up a nail-biting finish. But Mitchell and his Cavaliers teammates stepped up, scoring 13 of the game’s final 20 points to secure the victory. Cleveland’s ability to finish strong, a key component of their success this season, was on full display, as they kept their cool and executed under pressure.
Darius Garland also contributed significantly, scoring 17 points, while Georges Niang, Ty Jerome, and Caris LeVert added 12 points each off the bench, showcasing Cleveland’s depth. Mitchell’s scoring was instrumental in keeping Cleveland within reach throughout the game; he had already posted 25 points by halftime, driving the Cavaliers to a 67-66 lead after two quarters. During one memorable moment in the second quarter, Mitchell twisted his way to a 360-degree layup, igniting a 10-0 Cleveland run that showcased his athleticism and skill.
The Bulls, despite their balanced scoring, were unable to overcome their turnover woes. Chicago’s 21 turnovers proved costly, especially as Cleveland capitalized on these mistakes to generate additional scoring opportunities. LaVine’s team-high 26 points kept Chicago competitive, but the Bulls struggled to close the game as Cleveland’s defense tightened, and their offense executed with precision. Missing Jalen Smith, who sat out due to illness, further limited the Bulls’ depth and their ability to counter Cleveland’s scoring bursts.
This latest win emphasizes Cleveland’s growth as a team. The Cavaliers have emerged as an early-season powerhouse, blending star power with a collective defensive identity that has held strong under pressure. Coach Atkinson’s system, which emphasizes ball movement, disciplined defense, and capitalizing on opponent mistakes, has allowed Cleveland to remain undefeated and overcome a range of challenges. Mitchell, Mobley, and Garland have taken center stage, while bench players like LeVert, Niang, and Jerome have consistently delivered when called upon.
As the Cavaliers extend their winning streak to 12 games, they continue to set new records and make a case for being one of the NBA’s most formidable teams this season. Their undefeated run places them at the top of the league standings, building momentum and confidence as they progress through their schedule.
For the Chicago Bulls, this loss reveals areas for improvement, particularly in ball security and closing games under pressure. Despite their shooting prowess and depth, turnovers continue to be a major issue, and addressing this will be crucial as they look to bounce back. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s focus now shifts to maintaining their streak as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Donovan Mitchell’s leadership and scoring ability have been key to Cleveland’s success, but the Cavaliers’ perfect record also reflects a team that’s buying into a system, playing with grit, and finding ways to win close games. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Cleveland can maintain this unprecedented start and potentially make a deep playoff run.
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