Game Grades: Cavs Undermanned Win Over Bulls

The shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were missing 3/5 of their starting lineup, two key bench players were ruled out right behind the game started and they were beginning a two-game road trip starting with a division rival. 

There were many reasons the Cavs could've lost focus against the Chicago Bulls. Instead, they finished with a double-digit win. Let's get into some Game Grades. 

Offense: A-

The Cavs were missing all four of their top scorers against the Bulls. Who was going to lead the way? Well, everyone pitched in and contributed to this win. All nine players who touched the floor scored and Cleveland had five different players score in double-digits.

Max Strus led the way with 26 points while Jarrett Allen and Craig Porter Jr. each scored 19 of their own. 

Dec 23, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) shoots against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports / © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland set themselves apart on the offensive end by scoring 30-second chance points. A big part of this can be attributed to JA's eight offensive rebounds. This stat right here shows the heart this team was playing with.

The one area where the Cavs did struggle a little bit was from behind the arc where they shot 26% (12-45) as a team. Other than this, Cleveland played a more than solid offensive game considering the circumstances.

Defense: A

Chicago struggled to find any rhythm against the Cavalier defense. The Bulls shot 43% (35-80) from the floor and 22% (8-35) behind the arc as Cleveland locked them up. 

The third quarter is really where Cleveland's defense separated themselves and arguably won the game. Chicago only scored 16 points coming out of the half and only made six field goals.

This allowed the Cavs to pull away and hold on to the lead in the fourth.

Overall: A

JA had a 19-point 17 rebound performance. Porter Jr. looked like an All-Star point guard. Max Strus stuffed the stat sheet. Isaac Okoro played solid defense. Even Damian Jones had the highest +/-.

This was an overall team win and a huge momentum boost heading into the holiday break.