Bulls defeat Cavaliers, 117-99

The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-99, at Quicken
Loans Arena on Saturday. Chicago had been struggling prior to the break, but a
road win over a 40-win team is an impressive feat. The third quarter was the
decisive stretch, as Chicago outscored Cleveland, 34-20. The assist-to-turnover
ratio was a huge factor as well, as the Bulls recorded 34 assists to seven
turnovers, while the Cavaliers committed 12 turnovers to 24 assists. Chicago had
one of their best three-point shooting games of the year too, going 15-of-30
from long distance, which marks a season-high in makes. There were 11 ties and
13 lead changes in total, as this game was tight throughout the first three
quarters. The Bulls (30-29) are now 2-0 out of the All-Star break and it appears
that break is all they needed to get going. Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade carried
the load, as they combined for 38 points, 19 rebounds and 20 assists, while they
each flirted with a triple-double. Butler finished with a triple-double,
totaling 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Wade accumulated 20
points, nine rebounds and 10 assists of his own. Nikola Mirotic was a huge spark
off the bench, as he provided 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rajon Rondo also played
well off the bench, collecting 15 points and five assists. The Cavaliers (40-17)
had to play this game without LeBron James (sickness) and it’s clear just how
much he means to this team with a loss like this. With Kevin Love also out,
Kyrie Irving had to carry the load, as he led the team with 34 points, nine
rebounds and seven assists. The other four starters combined for just 29 points.
Kyle Korver and James Jones were sharpshooting off the bench, as they scored 14
points a piece, while combining to go 8-of-12 from three-point range. . The
Bulls are now 3-0 against the Cavaliers this season.