Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
Chicago BullsOpen full analysis
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 127–111 on December 17 at the United Center, staying well below the Vegas total of 242.5 points. Corey White led Chicago with 25 points, supported by Jalen Giddey's 23 as the Bulls shot 56.2 percent from the field and connected on 14 three-pointers. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 32 points with Jarrett Tyson adding 21, but the Cavaliers shot just 48.3 percent and committed 20 turnovers compared to Chicago's 15. The Bulls controlled the tempo through the middle quarters, outscoring Cleveland 29–24 in the second frame and 33–30 in the third, while their defense held a 103.8 defensive rating against Cleveland's 119.9 offensive rating. Chicago's 35 assists and 12 steals showcased balanced ball movement and pressure defense that Cleveland struggled to counter. The second-quarter collapse proved decisive for the Cavaliers, who never recovered momentum despite Mitchell's scoring prowess. This victory extends Chicago's competitive positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.
