Saturday’s matchup in Chicago was essentially a case of the Cavaliers being unable to get over the hump. That, and the third quarter blues.
The Bulls led by just two at the break, but Cleveland went cold after half and fell behind by double figures heading into the fourth. In the final period, the Cavs cut Chicago’s 16-point lead to just three with 3:23 to play, but could get no closer – dropping the 106-96 decision at the United Center.
Playing without their leading scorer Zach LaVine, the Bulls got huge production from their bench, offsetting an outstanding combined performance by Cleveland’s starting backcourt.