The Cleveland Cavaliers secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference after a win over Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. The Cavs beat the Bulls 135-113 in an exciting match that saw Darius Garland score 28 points while Evan Mobley added a double-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Off the bench, Ty Jerome had 18 points and 17 for De’Andre Hunter. Cleveland boasts a second-best record in franchise history at 63-16. This is their fourth stint at the top of the table.
On the Bulls side, Patrick Williams scored a season high of 21 points, making 5 of 6 three-point shots, while Matas Buzelis added 19 points. Chicago is tied for ninth place alongside Miami Heat and has secured a spot in the play-in tournament ahead of the playoffs.
The Bulls’ top scorers were not in uniform due to various injuries. Lonzo Ball is out with a right wrist sprain, Coby White is on rest, Nikola Vucevic has right calf soreness, and lastly, Josh Giddey has a right forearm injury. Coach Billy Donovan expressed concern over the load that Coby White has to bear, bearing in mind he has been averaging highs of 20.7 points and 33.3 minutes. He, however, expects him to play the last 3 regular-season games.
On the Cavs side, All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell was also not in uniform after spraining his left ankle during the Sunday game against Sacramento. Coach Atkinson said Donovan may sit out additional games but will be good to go for the playoffs.
The Cavaliers take on Indiana on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse while the Bulls visit Miami tomorrow to battle it out in a critical game for seeding.
