LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavs looked out of sync for extended stretches of their Game 1 loss to the Chicago Bulls. They had no such problem in Game 2.
The Cavs streaked out to a 20-point lead after twelve minutes thanks to a vintage LeBron James showcase and a surrounding attack which found themselves with open shots aplenty with defenders keying in on James.
Things would get dicey in the third as the Bulls clamped down on defense and rattled off a 14-0 run to get as close as 11, but Cleveland would stifle them from there en route to a series-tying 106-91 win.
Key Numbers: 38-18
The Chicago Bulls decided not to show up for the first quarter, as the Cavs hammered them for a 38-18 advantage at the break. Part of that was LeBron going full BEAST mode, and part of that was a noticeable lack of defensive effort and visible passion on Chicago's part.
Cleveland MVP:
If you think LeBron James wasn't listening to all the criticism after his team laid an egg in Game 1, you don't know LBJ. LeBron put the Cavs on his back in a 33-point, 8-rebound outing, breaking the Bulls' spirits early and effectively ending the game before halftime.
Chicago MVP:
Can you really give anyone on the Bulls an MVP award? Derrick Rose is the default choice after posting 14 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds while looking like the only engaged Bulls player at times.
What's Next?
The series shifts to Chicago for Friday's Game 3. Tipoff is scheduled for shortly after 7:00pm local time.
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