Thrilling NBA Opener: Bulls Edge Out Cavaliers 139-137 in High-Scoring Affair

The 2024-2025 NBA season got off to a scintillating start as the Chicago Bulls took on the Cleveland Cavaliers in a thrilling matchup that saw the Bulls emerge victorious with a 139-137 win. The game, played on October 18, 2024, was a high-scoring affair that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The Bulls, led by their dynamic duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, came out strong in the first quarter, putting up 35 points to take an early lead. However, the Cavaliers, fueled by the impressive play of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, refused to back down, keeping the game neck and neck throughout.

Key Performances

• Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 12-22 from the field and 4-9 from three-point range.
• DeMar DeRozan added 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, going 11-20 from the field and 2-4 from beyond the arc.
• Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting 13-24 from the field and 5-12 from three-point range.
• Evan Mobley chipped in with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, going 10-17 from the field and 1-3 from beyond the arc.

The game saw multiple lead changes, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage until the final minutes. The Bulls' bench played a crucial role, outscoring the Cavaliers' reserves 35-25. Coby White and Thaddeus Young provided a significant spark, combining for 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Turning Point

The turning point of the game came with just over two minutes remaining, when LaVine hit a clutch three-pointer to put the Bulls up by four. The Cavaliers responded with a basket of their own, but DeRozan sealed the win with a pair of free throws in the final seconds, securing the 139-137 victory for the Bulls.

This exciting matchup sets the tone for what promises to be an electrifying NBA season. Both teams showed their offensive prowess, and fans can expect many more thrilling games from these two Eastern Conference contenders. The Bulls will look to build on this momentum as they take on their next opponent, while the Cavaliers will aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat.

For the full box score and game recap, visit ESPN. Don't miss out on the action – catch the highlights and analysis of this and every NBA game on ESPN.

Game Stats

• Bulls: 139 points, 52.3% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT
• Cavaliers: 137 points, 50.6% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 81.8% FT

Stay tuned for more exciting NBA matchups and in-depth analysis all season long!