Harden’s 36 Points Lift Cavaliers Over Bulls 115-110 in Chicago
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The Cleveland Cavaliers built a 29-point advantage, lost nearly all of it, but held on to beat the Chicago Bulls 115-110 on Thursday night at United Center.
Guard James Harden scored 36 points—his highest total since joining Cleveland—including 22 of the team’s first 32. The Cavaliers played without All-Star Donovan Mitchell, sidelined by an eye injury.
After falling behind 11-2, Cleveland erupted for a 43-11 stretch that produced a 59-32 lead midway through the second quarter. Chicago answered with a 33-8 run in the fourth period to close within one possession before the visitors secured the win.
“It’s not good enough,” Harden told FanDuel Sports. “We’ve got to be more professional and do a better job of closing out.”
Key contributors
- Evan Mobley: 26 points, 14 rebounds
- Jaylon Tyson: 18 points, 11 rebounds (limited to two fourth-quarter minutes because of a toe injury)
- Sam Merrill: 13 points
- Dennis Schröder: 9 points
Former Cavalier Collin Sexton scored nine for Chicago, which fell to 28-42. The Bulls have used Sexton on four different rosters in eight NBA seasons.
Coach’s view
Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson said the late-game trouble stemmed from poor shot selection.
“We settled in the fourth quarter,” Atkinson told reporters. “We could’ve gotten to the rim more. They got out in transition and attacked the basket.”
Standings and next game
The Cavaliers improved to 43-27 and continue a three-game trip Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Source: Hoops Wire
