Shooting Guard Max Strus scored 26 points and got 1 rebound as well as 7 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-13) defeated the Chicago Bulls (13-18) at the United Center 109-95.
The Chicago Bulls come into this game after a dominant win against the San Antonio Spurs 114-95. In that game point guard Coby White produced yet again! he had quite a performance with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. But this time around he wasn’t able to avoid a defeat after a great Bulls run of 3 games unbeaten. While the Cavaliers entered this game in really poor form. They had lost seven games on the spin after beating the Heat at home early in December with a score of 111-99.
The Bulls were victorious last time out when these teams faced each other winning at home at United Center 101-91. But this time at home the Bulls weren’t able to get the job done and lost in a close contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers Win! The Cavaliers narrowly lead at Halftime
The first quarter ended with a narrow lead of 32-30 in favor of the Cavaliers. With center Jarrett Allen leading the way for the Cavaliers as he put in 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Bulls made the Cavaliers work for it in the first quarter as center Nikola Vucevic put in 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist for the Chicago team. The Bulls really wanted to tie, as was evident with a last gasp, 16 seconds left in the game, two-point shot from Forward Dalen Terry. The second quarter also didn’t show a clear winner with the quarter ending 26-25 in favor of the Bulls. But the half ended with the Cavaliers leading the Bulls 57-56.
Cleveland Cavaliers Win! Bulls slip in 3rd and Cavs take the game in 4th
The third quarter could’ve meant an opportunity for the Bulls to easily go off offensively and snatch the lead. But the quarter proved to be the nail in the coffin for the Bulls as they dropped points again and were down as the Cavaliers led 25-16. The fourth quarter proved to be the cherry on top for the Cavaliers as they again finished the quarter leading 27-23. The game finished with shooting guard Max Strus really proving he is one to watch. He finished the game with 26 points, 1 rebound, and 7 assists as the Cavaliers were able to end their losing streak of 7 games. In doing so they proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
What’s Next?
The Bulls will look to quickly recover and get back to winning ways as they play away to the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena on Tuesday, December 26th at 7 pm central.
The Cavaliers will look to brew something positive with this win as they host the Dallas Mavericks. That game will be at Rocket Mortgage Field House on Wednesday, December 27th at 7:30 pm Central.