Box Score & Player Grades: Cavaliers 128, Bulls 122 – November 8, 2025
Less than two minutes into the Chicago Bulls' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach Billy Donovan called a timeout. The Bulls quickly fell behind 7-0 after De’Andre Hunter hit a three-pointer.
Chicago had played less than 24 hours earlier against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup, and Cleveland also recently played, but they dominated the Wizards with 148 points and rested their starters in the second half. Evan Mobley was especially effective, scoring 11 of the Cavaliers’ first 22 points.
Despite the early deficit, the Bulls remained composed. Their depth proved crucial late in the first quarter when Donovan turned to his bench. Chicago closed out the quarter with a 14-8 run, cutting the lead to one possession.
Ayo Dosunmu started the second quarter strong with an and-one layup, giving the Bulls the lead and a surge of confidence. Jalen Smith contributed significantly, scoring 11 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and handing out 3 assists in just 11 minutes. He reached halftime with an impressive +22 plus-minus, helping the Bulls’ bench outscore the Cavaliers’ second unit 35-14.
As the half progressed, Cleveland’s offense struggled, at one point missing 13 consecutive three-point attempts.
"Less than two minutes into the Chicago Bulls’ meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Billy Donovan was calling a timeout."
"Jalen Smith was a major part of the turnaround, scoring 11 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 11 minutes of action."
The Bulls showed resilience and bench strength, nearly overcoming a tough start against a rested Cavaliers team.
Summary: The Bulls demonstrated strong bench performance and resilience in a close game against the rested Cavaliers, highlighted by Jalen Smith’s impactful play and Chicago’s crucial second-quarter comeback.