Sport

Cleveland Cavaliers Remain Undefeated at 12-0 thanks to Donovan Mitchell's Heroics

2024-11-12

Author: Wei

Cleveland Cavaliers Record 12-0

The Cleveland Cavaliers are making headlines as their historic undefeated streak continues, cementing their place as the lone team without a loss in the NBA this season. Led by a stellar performance from Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers surged past the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 119-113 at the United Center on Monday night.

This victory not only marks the Cavaliers' impressive record of 12-0 but also positions them among an elite group in NBA history—only eight teams have ever started the season with such a remarkable record. This achievement signifies the best start in the franchise's history and draws comparisons to the legendary Golden State Warriors, who famously began the 2015-16 season with 24 consecutive wins before falling to the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

Donovan Mitchell's Performance

Mitchell was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing his skills with a spectacular 25 points in the first half alone, bolstered by five three-pointers and an eye-popping 360-degree layup that had fans on their feet. Despite the Bulls’ strong offensive presence, with all five starters scoring in double digits during the first half, the Cavaliers maintained their composure.

Game Dynamics

The game took a turn in the third quarter when the Bulls briefly established a nine-point lead, propelled by Ayo Dosunmu's free throws. However, the Cavaliers responded with an impressive 11-2 run, regaining momentum and securing a three-point advantage as they headed into the fourth quarter.

Midway through the final period, the Bulls managed to tie the game again thanks to a fadeaway jumper from Zach LaVine. Yet, the Cavaliers quickly retaliated with a powerful alley-oop from Evan Mobley and a fast-break layup from Mitchell, igniting a 9-2 run that would seal the Bulls’ fate.

Performance Overview

In total, Mitchell scored an outstanding 36 points and grabbed eight rebounds, shooting 44% from three-point range. His teammates also contributed significantly, with Darius Garland adding 17 points and five assists, and Mobley recording a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. On the flip side, LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points and six rebounds, while Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each chipped in with 20 points.

One critical aspect that burdened the Bulls was their high turnover count—20 in total—which the Cavaliers effectively converted into 35 points, a glaring statistic that highlights the importance of ball security in close games.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. A victory in that matchup would not only extend their winning streak but could also tie the franchise record for consecutive wins. As the season unfolds, it’s clear that with Mitchell at the helm, the Cavaliers are not just riding the wave of early success but are positioning themselves as formidable contenders in the Eastern Conference this year. Can they keep the momentum going? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out!