The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls with an unblemished 11-0 record, hoping to extend their hot streak and continue their impressive season start. Cleveland’s unbeaten run has not only captured fans’ attention but also shifted the team’s standing in the NBA, as players acknowledge they are now the ones being chased.
“We know how hard it is to win in this league,” said Darius Garland, Cleveland’s star guard. “Now, 11 in a row, 11-0. We’re the hunted now.”
The Cavaliers’ most recent victory was a testament to their resilience. Playing at home against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, Cleveland found themselves down 82-68 late in the third quarter. Behind strong performances from Evan Mobley (23 points, 16 rebounds), Donovan Mitchell (22 points), and Garland (20 points), the team stormed back to secure a 105-100 win.
Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the pressure of maintaining their winning streak. “Normally, this is 11 games in; you’re not thinking about a streak,” Atkinson said. “But tonight, you’re like, ‘man, I don’t want it to end this way.'”
Meanwhile, the Bulls are focused on gaining momentum after ending a four-game losing streak with a 125-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Chicago’s victory was powered by a balanced offensive effort, with eight players scoring in double digits. Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 19 points, while Nikola Vucevic added a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds. Zach LaVine, back after missing three games with an adductor strain, contributed 18 points.
“It’s always good to get guys back in the lineup,” LaVine said.
Despite struggles early in games, where opponents have outscored them in the first quarter in nine of 10 matchups, the Bulls have shown resilience, especially in the fourth quarter. Chicago guard Josh Giddey credited their recent success to improved teamwork and energy. “It was a complete team effort tonight, and that’s what we needed,” he said.
Facing Cleveland, only the 12th NBA team to open a season with 11 straight wins, will be a test of Chicago’s ability to maintain focus and consistency. The Cavaliers, however, remain confident, with Mitchell emphasizing the importance of their collective effort.
“Defensively, we locked in, got stops, got rebounds,” Mitchell said. “We did all the little things, and that’s what made this one special.”
Cleveland has won seven of their last eight meetings against Chicago, but the Bulls lead the all-time series 133-101.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.