Cavaliers Overcome Collapse, Defeat Bulls For Fifth Straight Win

After blowing a 21-point lead, Cleveland outscored Chicago 29-10 the rest of the way to secure its longest winning streak of the season.

On Monday night, nearly halfway through the third quarter, the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed destined for a wire-to-wire victory over the Chicago Bulls.

A Jarrett Allen layup gave the Wine and Gold a 74-53 lead, their largest of the game.

But the Bulls fought back in a big way, and were able to put together a strong run to take their first and only lead of the night. Over the final 6:53 of the third quarter and first 1:59 of the following period, Chicago went on a 28-6 run to go ahead 81-80 with 10:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.

This lead was short-lived, however, as a Caris LeVert three-pointer 35 seconds later put Cleveland in front not just 83-81, but for the rest of the game. After the Bulls took their sole lead of the game, the Cavaliers outscored them 29-10 to come away with a 109-91 victory.

The win gives the Wine and Gold a five-game winning streak, which is their longest of the season, and extends the longest active such streak in the Eastern Conference.

A crucial part of Cleveland closing out its victory was Dean Wade, who converted all three of his three-point attempts in the fourth quarter. His nine points in the period were tied for a game-high with LeVert, who also drained three triples and scored nine points in the final quarter.

Jan 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates with forward Dean Wade (32) in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cavaliers’ pair of NBA All-Star candidates also turned in strong performances.

Donovan Mitchell tallied his 12th 30-point performance of the season with a game-high 34 points, while also tying a game-high with seven assists. Additionally, Jarrett Allen recorded his ninth straight double-double with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Up next, the Wine and Gold will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.