Chicago Bulls falls short against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-105

The Bulls couldn’t pull the win off in crunchtime.

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls couldn’t make the plays they needed in crunchtime and fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-105, on Wednesday night to head to the All-Star break with a 26-29 record. The Bulls led by as many as 17 points in the second quarter but couldn’t hold off the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter, with All-Star Donovan Mitchell scoring the free-throw that would put them in front for good with 43 seconds left.

Came up short in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/rejdNG2Vvn

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 15, 2024

Back-and-forth in crunchtime

This game had seven lead changes and nine ties, all coming in the thrilling fourth quarter. The game was tied for the last time at 103-all after Coby White drained a triple with 1:03 to go. 

However, Bulls guard Alex Caruso was called for a foul before the ball got inbounded, resulting in a free throw and possession for the Cavs. Mitchell made the free throw to shove Cleveland in front, but the Bulls got a stop and had a chance to retake the lead.

However, White committed a costly turnover, throwing an errant pass that went through the hands of big man Nikola Vucevic, who was rolling to the basket. Moments later, the Cavs pushed their lead to three, 108-105, after two from the line by Mitchell. White had a shot at tying the game as he received a hand-off from Vooch at the top of the key. The former Tar Heel couldn’t convert the game-tying triple as time expired.

Coby White has a good look to tie the game. pic.twitter.com/XYhrlWqwnW

— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) February 15, 2024

Balanced scoring effort

White finished the game with 32 points on 11-of-17 shooting. He scored 23 points in the second half. DeMar DeRozan had 24 points and six assists, while Vucevic struggled all night, finishing with only nine points on 4-of-14 shooting. Andre Drummond, who started the game to counter Cleveland’s frontcourt size, had 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Ayo Dosunmu added 12 points–all from behind the arc—while Caruso, back from a one-game absence, had 10 points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.

Coby in the corner!@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/zPZUYiUX9u

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 15, 2024

Alex Caruso takes the lead in grooming the Bulls' competitive form: "I've got to try and pull guys with me"