On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The Cavaliers secured a decisive 135-113 victory, clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
First Half: Cavaliers Establish Dominance
The game began with both teams exchanging baskets, but Cleveland quickly asserted control. Darius Garland’s sharpshooting, including six three-pointers, propelled the Cavaliers to a 43-point explosion in the second quarter. By halftime, Cleveland led 52-43, with Garland contributing 14 points in the period.
Second Half: Bulls Fight Back, Cavaliers Seal the Game
Chicago, despite playing without key players Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Nikola Vucevic, mounted a challenge in the third quarter. The Bulls trimmed the deficit to nine points early in the fourth quarter. However, Cleveland responded with a 13-2 run, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Garland, extending their lead to 122-99 with just over five minutes remaining. The Cavaliers maintained control, ensuring a comfortable victory.
Key Performances
- Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Darius Garland: 28 points, six three-pointers.
- Evan Mobley: 21 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists.
- Ty Jerome: 18 points.
- De’Andre Hunter: 17 points off the bench.
- Chicago Bulls:
- Patrick Williams: 21 points.
- Matas Buzelis: 19 points.
- Talen Horton-Tucker: 17 points off the bench.
Cleveland’s Season Highlights
The Cavaliers’ victory marked their seventh win in the last nine games and completed a season sweep over the Bulls. Cleveland’s offense was particularly efficient, shooting 51% from the field and 50% from three-point range. The team’s depth was evident, with significant contributions from both starters and bench players. The win secured their position as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, setting the stage for a promising postseason.

Chicago’s Challenges
The Bulls faced adversity with the absence of key players, impacting their offensive and defensive dynamics. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience, particularly in their attempt to rally in the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, Chicago’s focus shifts to their upcoming game against the Miami Heat, a crucial matchup for their Play-In Tournament aspirations.
Postgame Reflections
Cleveland’s head coach, Kenny Atkinson, praised the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of securing the top seed and maintaining momentum heading into the playoffs. The Cavaliers’ balanced attack and defensive solidity were key factors in their success. For Chicago, coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries but remained optimistic about the team’s resilience and potential in the remaining games.
What’s Next
As the regular season concludes, both teams have distinct paths. Cleveland enters the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s leader, aiming to capitalize on their strong season. Chicago, currently on the edge of Play-In Tournament contention, must secure victories in their final games to solidify their postseason position.