CHICAGO — The Cleveland Cavaliers are making headlines as they chase NBA history, achieving a remarkable 12-0 start in the 2024-25 season after a thrilling 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.

This win marks the Cavs as only the eighth team in NBA history to open a season with 12 consecutive wins. They are now eyeing the all-time record of 24 straight victories to start a season, a record set by the phenomenal Golden State Warriors back in 2015-16, a year they finished with an astounding 73-9 record.

"We're just taking it one game at a time," said Cavs star Donovan Mitchell. Although thrilled with the achievement, Mitchell remains realistic, highlighting the importance of consistency. "It’s 12 games. We need to see if we can maintain this level of play in the crucial months ahead."

The game itself was a fierce contest, filled with drama, including 17 lead changes and 15 ties.

The Cavs found themselves trailing by nine points in the third quarter when head coach Kenny Atkinson made a pivotal decision—an all-bench lineup that would change the game’s momentum.

Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and Dean Wade surged into action, erasing the nine-point deficit in just under two minutes. Their explosive 19-9 run not only flipped the game but also stunned the vigilant home crowd, leaving the Cavs ahead by three points at the end of the third quarter.

When Donovan Mitchell re-entered the game in the fourth quarter, the Cavs were poised and ready to secure the victory.

Even as the Bulls managed to tie the game once again with just over five minutes to go, Cleveland's composure shone through as they outscored Chicago 13-7 in the final stretch.

"This win was all about grit and determination," Mitchell remarked, praising the bench for their critical impact. "We were feeling a little fatigued mentally, but that lineup came in and saved the day."

Mitchell finished with a game-high 36 points, showcasing some breathtaking plays, including a jaw-dropping 360-degree layup.

He emphasized the importance of balancing scoring with empowering teammates like Darius Garland, who contributed 17 points and five assists, and Evan Mobley, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Cleveland's second unit was a force, outscoring the Bulls' bench 39-16, with impressive contributions from LeVert, Niang, and Jerome, each adding 12 points.

The depth of the Cavs was a significant factor in their success this season, and Atkinson has consistently praised the team's collective efforts. "Strength in numbers is what we are all about," remarked Jerome. "We have a deep team, and when starters tire, we’re here to bring the energy."

The Bulls put forth a solid effort, with star players Zach LaVine leading the charge with 26 points, joined by Coby White and Nikola Vucevic who each contributed 20 points.

Despite shooting 49.4% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc, they couldn't outlast the Cavs' resilience.

Atkinson recognized the Bulls' effort but pointed to his team's adaptability.

"In the first half, they played great. We had to flip the script in the second half to change our defensive strategy, and our bench was phenomenal tonight."

As the Cavs bask in the glow of their historic start, the team’s dedication to building chemistry and execution remains pivotal.

With their sights set on continuing their perfect record, they will face the Philadelphia 76ers next. The anticipation for the upcoming game is palpable—will the Cavs continue their winning ways and inch closer to the ultimate NBA milestone? Only time will tell!