Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from the close win over the Cavaliers

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 10: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls attacks the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 10, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 10: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls attacks the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 10, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bulls took on the Cleveland Cavaliers in hopes of earning their fourth win of the season. Here are three takeaways from the nailbiter against the Cavs.

The Chicago Bulls (debuting their new “City” jerseys) came into the game against Cleveland with a 3-9 overall record and a 1-5 home record (including four straight home losses). Thanks to defense and a quality team effort, the Bulls would beat the Cavaliers 99-98 in a nailbiter.

The Bulls got off to an incredible start, scoring 37 points in the first quarter and holding the Cavs to a measly 23. Unfortunately, Chicago would end up taking their foot off the gas pedal in the second quarter, allowing Cleveland to come back and make it a close game.

In the second quarter, the Bulls got outscored 30-16. To go from a 37 point quarter to a 16 point quarter is unacceptable. You can’t follow up a stellar quarter with an extremely disappointing one – that’s how you lose games.

The Bulls would bounce back in the second half, though, thanks to some solid defense. In the second half, the Bulls scored 46 points (still not good) but held the Cavs to 45 points.

Zach LaVine put on a dunking clinic and led all scorers with 24 points.

Here are three takeaways from the Bulls’ win.