In a thrilling showdown, the Cleveland Cavaliers soared to victory over the Chicago Bulls with a dominant 135-113 win, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Darius Garland led the charge with a stellar 28-point performance, while rookie sensation Evan Mobley showcased his versatility with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. The Cavaliers' explosive second-quarter surge, ignited by Garland's four 3-pointers in eight minutes, paved the way for their commanding 21-point lead and eventual triumph. Despite missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland's depth shone through as Ty Jerome and De'Andre Hunter stepped up with impressive contributions.
While Chicago put up a valiant effort, led by Patrick Williams' season-high 21 points and sharpshooting from beyond the arc, the absence of key players like Coby White and Nikola Vucevic ultimately proved challenging. The Bulls, currently tied with Miami for ninth in the East, have clinched a play-in tournament berth but face uncertainties heading into the postseason. With Mitchell set to return for the playoffs, the Cavaliers' resiliency and depth have solidified their position as the team to beat in the East, marking a historic achievement as they clinch the top seed for the first time in six years.