Rebounds, Free Throws Overpower Cavaliers In Double-Overtime Defeat

Chicago grabbed 35 more rebounds and made 20 more free throws than Cleveland in the Cavaliers' 132-123 double-overtime loss on Wednesday night.

In their previous three meetings this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers grabbed more rebounds (44.0) and made more free throws (15.3) per game than the Chicago Bulls (41.3 rebounds and 14.7 free throws made per game).

However, this was not the case on Wednesday night.

Chicago grabbed 35 more rebounds and made 20 more free throws than Cleveland, as the Wine and Gold suffered a 132-123 defeat in double-overtime. 

According to Stathead, this was the Cavaliers' first double-overtime game since November 18, 2022.

Additionally, according to Stathead, the Bulls’ 74 rebounds were the fourth-most allowed in a regular-season or postseason game in Cavaliers franchise history. They were also the most rebounds the Wine and Gold have allowed in a regular-season or postseason game since October 18, 1974, when they surrendered 75 rebounds in a quadruple-overtime loss.

Former Cavalier Andre Drummond had a monster game for the Bulls, grabbing a season-high 26 rebounds compared to Cleveland’s 39 rebounds as a team.

The Wine and Gold did have a bright spot on the boards, though. Big man Evan Mobley recorded his 18th double-double of the season, tallying team-highs of 25 points and 13 rebounds, a game-high four blocks, one assist, and one steal.

Feb 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) scores against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at United Center / © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago also shot 31-for-38 (81.6%) from the free-throw line, while the Cavaliers shot just 11-for-19 (57.9%). For perspective, Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan scored 17 of his game-high 35 points from the free-throw line, missing just two attempts.

Cleveland’s loss also snapped its 11-game overtime winning streak. According to Stathead, this was the longest active such streak in the NBA, and tied for the second-longest such streak in NBA history.

Up next, the Wine and Gold will conclude a two-game road trip with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night at 7 p.m.