Bulls Defeat Cavaliers in Thriller Led by Giddey's Triple-Double

Chicago's young star powers team to rare win over Eastern Conference favorite

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:33am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between two teams, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the players' movements and the intensity of the competition.A cubist interpretation of the intense on-court battle between the Bulls and Cavaliers, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic movements of the game.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in a high-scoring NBA matchup on December 17, 2025, led by a dominant triple-double performance from Josh Giddey. The Bulls showcased their offensive firepower, shooting over 56% from the field and hitting 14 3-pointers, while their defense contained the Cavaliers' star Donovan Mitchell. The victory was a rare one for the Bulls, who had lost 12 of their last 13 games against Cleveland, raising questions about the Cavaliers' consistency as an Eastern Conference favorite.

Why it matters

The Bulls' win over the Cavaliers, a team considered a favorite in the Eastern Conference, demonstrates the team's potential and ability to compete with the league's elite. The performance of young star Josh Giddey, who recorded his sixth triple-double of the season, further solidifies his status as one of the NBA's rising talents. The game also raises questions about the Cavaliers' consistency and ability to maintain their favored status in the East.

The details

Josh Giddey led the Bulls with a dominant triple-double, scoring 23 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists, including a career-high 3 made 3-pointers. Coby White added 25 points, and the team shot an impressive 56.2% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range. The Bulls led by as many as 15 points in the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on December 17, 2025.
  • The Bulls and Cavaliers will meet again in Cleveland on Friday.

The players

Josh Giddey

A young star for the Chicago Bulls, Giddey recorded his sixth triple-double of the season, showcasing his all-around skills and leadership.

Coby White

The Bulls' starting guard, White scored 25 points to complement Giddey's performance and help lead the team to victory.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star player, Mitchell led his team with 32 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Bulls' dominant performance.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, Donovan emphasized the importance of rest for injured player Ayo Dosunmu and the team's overall effort in the win.

Nikola Vucevic

The Bulls' starting center, Vucevic contributed 20 points and 9 rebounds to the team's victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with this level of energy and execution if we want to be considered among the elite teams in the league.”

— Josh Giddey, Bulls Guard

“This was a tough loss, but we'll go back, watch the film, and figure out how to bounce back on Friday.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Guard

What’s next

The Bulls and Cavaliers will meet again in Cleveland on Friday, where the Cavaliers will look to bounce back and reclaim their status as an Eastern Conference favorite.

The takeaway

The Bulls' victory over the Cavaliers demonstrates the team's potential and the emergence of Josh Giddey as a rising star in the NBA. However, the Cavaliers' consistency and ability to maintain their favored status in the Eastern Conference remain in question, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch between the two teams.