The Cleveland Cavaliers started their preseason schedule with a narrow 118-117 defeat to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson watched his new-look starting group—Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, De’Andre Hunter, Jarrett Allen and second-year guard Jaylon Tyson—race to a 22-11 lead midway through the first quarter before he substituted all five players.
Starters make early impression
Hunter, acquired during the offseason, scored 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting and collected seven rebounds in just 18 minutes. Mobley finished with 12 points, six boards and converted two of his four attempts from beyond the arc. Tyson highlighted the opening stretch with two blocks in the first six minutes.
Bench sparks late push
Reserve guard Craig Porter Jr. provided immediate offense, hitting his first five three-pointers and ending with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting. His role is expected to expand while Darius Garland recovers from a toe injury.
Rookie guard Tyrese Proctor added 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting. “He’s got moxie,” Atkinson said. “He’s got way more stuff off the dribble than I thought.”
Familiar face in a new uniform
Former Cavalier Isaac Okoro scored 11 points for Chicago in his return to Cleveland. Prior to tip-off, Atkinson called the forward “one of my favorite players of all time.” Lonzo Ball, coming back from injury, appeared rusty but directed the Bulls’ offense with steady play.
Coach’s assessment
Atkinson praised his team’s active hands on defense and the overall pace, two points of emphasis during training camp. He noted that conditioning and rebounding still need work.
Injury report
Guard Sam Merrill sat out with a sore abductor. Atkinson said the decision was precautionary.
Decisive play
The game ended when newcomer Thomas Bryant drove the length of the court, only to have his layup attempt blocked by Bulls wing Dalen Terry at the buzzer.
The Cavaliers and Bulls meet again Thursday, this time at the United Center in Chicago.
Source: Hoops Wire
