The NBA season is in full swing, with the league’s two most exciting upstarts—the Bulls and Cavaliers—each fighting for playoff seeding. But while Chicago has relied on its defense to win games, Cleveland has shined offensively. Will one team rise above the other?
The “cavaliers” are two Eastern Conference upstarts that have had very different winning fashions. The Bulls have been a consistent team, while the cavaliers have been up and down.
The Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers are two of the NBA’s greatest shocks this season. They also approached roster creation in quite different ways, and there are stylistic differences. Despite this, the two brands continue to find ways to win.
Despite a four-game losing run, the Bulls are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference. They face a Cavs club that is on the rise and is considered the best in the East by certain criteria. Let’s take a closer look at how the two teams got to this point before they play head-to-head.
The Cavaliers made smart trade purchases and solid draft choices, while the Bulls struck gold in free agency.
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
In recent seasons, the Cavaliers have consistently selected at the top of the draft. It’s finally starting to pay off.
In his third season, point guard Darius Garland, the No. 5 selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, is developing into a true star. Last summer, the Cavs struck gold in Evan Mobley, as the rookie big man’s two-way potential has been on show from the first game of the season.
Cleveland’s success may also be attributed to astute trade market movements. Jarrett Allen’s outstanding play and All-Star level season all but seals the Cavs’ victory in the James Harden deal from last season. Following Ricky Rubio’s tragic injury, the Cavs acquired Rajon Rondo, who might provide a significant boost to Cleveland.
In recent seasons, the Bulls have also been consistently drafted in the top ten. However, the majority of Chicago’s recent success can be attributed to a very successful free agency period this summer.
DeMar DeRozan’s MVP-caliber performance has earned him a spot among the top free-agent acquisitions of the last decade. Lonzo Ball provides Chicago with much-needed consistency at point guard, as well as a capable perimeter defender who can create plays in transition. Ball’s well-rounded skill set has positioned him on a path to make NBA history.
Alex Caruso has had to battle with injuries and health difficulties in the past. He’s still an important defensive presence in the Bulls’ rotation, and he provides a supplementary ball-handler in the backcourt.
Yes, Zach LaVine’s sustained offensive brilliance and insanely efficient scoring, as well as the whole of Nikola Vucevic’s selfless game, contribute significantly to the team’s success. Nonetheless, the Bulls’ comeback is mostly due to free agency movements.
The Bulls win because of their offense and shot selection, while the Cavs win because of their tenacious defense and possession of the restricted area.
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
The Bulls rely on DeRozan and LaVine to some extent. However, both players’ offensive brilliance aids Chicago’s shot selection, and they are surrounded by floor-spacers who assist them.
DeRozan has the ability to go to his midrange positions and create on his own. According to NBA.com, he and James Harden are the two most effective isolation scorers this season (minimum frequency of 15%). LaVine has the ability to isolate, but he’s more dangerous in the pick-and-roll as a player who can snipe off the dribble or exploit switches to get to the basket.
The Bulls took advantage of open perimeter looks thanks to DeRozan and LaVine’s creativity and midrange prowess. They are last in 3-point attempts yet top in 3-point percentage in the NBA. Chicago has the third-best overall field-goal percentage and the sixth-best offensive rating in the league.
However, the Bulls’ recent defeats have exposed some of their defensive flaws, something the Cavs thrive at.
Cleveland has the second-best opponent scoring defense and the third-best defensive rating. As excellent rim protectors and switchable bigs who can defend guards in pick-and-roll and wreak havoc when they hedge, Allen and Mobley set the tone. Isaac Okoro is a versatile winger who can play numerous positions for the Cavs.
On offense, the Cavs use a heavy pick-and-roll rotation to create opportunities at the basket, with Garland routinely making plays slicing to the hoop. Cleveland boasts floor-spacers in Kevin Love and Cedi Osman, who excel at their jobs. But everything hinges on Garland’s high pick-and-roll and ability to create off the dribble, which has earned him greater attention as an All-Star contender.
When the Bulls and Cavaliers face off on Wednesday night, how will the opposing styles play out?
Both sides might need a boost of confidence.
On December 8, 2021, Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls takes a shot against Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game | Jason Miller/Getty Images
Both the Bulls and the Cavaliers might benefit from a victory on Wednesday.
Chicago is looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Ball and LaVine are still out for head coach Billy Donovan, but the latter’s knee ailment seems to be a short-term concern. Will the Bulls’ weakened offense be enough to overcome the Cavaliers?
J.B. Bickerstaff’s club has won five consecutive games and is currently only 1.5 games behind the Bulls and Miami Heat for the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference. With a huge road victory, the Cavs can keep their winning run alive while moving closer to the conference’s top slot.
In any event, the Bulls-Cavs clash on Wednesday is sure to be exciting.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats are courtesy of Basketball Reference.
RELATED: Before the NBA Trade Deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers were reportedly linked to a number of notable players: ‘That would pique the Cavs’ interest.’
Watch This Video-
Related Tags
- cavaliers record
- cavs championship
- 2010 fashion
