Chicago BullsOpen full analysis
Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 136–125 on December 19 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, surpassing the Vegas total of 238.5 points. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 35 points, while Marko Buzelis and Nikola Vučević each scored 24 for Chicago. The Bulls' balanced offensive approach proved decisive: they shot 52 percent from the field and made 18 three-pointers compared to Cleveland's 14, while recording 34 assists on 136 points. Chicago's defense held the Cavaliers to a 112.2 offensive rating, and the Bulls forced 12 turnovers against just 15 of their own. The third quarter proved pivotal, with Chicago outscoring Cleveland 35–44 to build separation, and the Bulls maintained their advantage through the fourth despite a late Cavaliers push. Chicago's 126.4 offensive rating and superior three-point volume overwhelmed a Cleveland team that shot just 47.5 percent overall. The win demonstrates the Bulls' offensive firepower and defensive intensity, positioning them as a serious threat in the Eastern Conference standings.
