CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in a closely contested battle against the Chicago Bulls in their first preseason game of the year on Monday night at home.
What You Need To Know
The Cleveland Cavs lost their preseason opener against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night
De’Andre Hunter and Craig Porter Jr. lead the way with 17 points
Rookie Tyreese Proctor scored 14 points in limited minutes
The game ended on a missed tip-in taken by center Thomas Bryant that was blocked by guard Dalen Terry, securing the 118-117 victory for the Bulls with just .3 seconds left on the clock.
Cavs starters played less than 18 minutes, but that did not stop them from providing on the offensive end. De’andre Hunter, a 2025 trade deadline acquisition, poured in an efficient 17 points on 7-9 shooting.
Hunter and third-year guard Craig Porter Jr. led the way for the Cavs, both tallying 17 points.
Porter came out of the locker room at half-time firing, scoring 11 of his 17 in the third as the Cavs broke the tie. He also shot 100% from three-point land on five shots.
Porter added to his scoring output by snagging four boards, serving up four assists and two steals in the loss.
Rookie Tyreese Proctor also had an impressive showing with 14 points in just 12 minutes coming off the bench.
“We’ve been battling, but I feel like it’s a good challenge for both of us,” said Porter. “We’ve got very similar games and it’s just what’s going to make the team better. It’s just, (Proctor)’s literally my evil twin, and I’ve been saying since he got here. I’m glad he’s on my team.”
Former Cavalier guard Issac Okoro put up a respectable 11 points on 3-7 shooting in 18 minutes for the Bulls. The Bulls traded for Okoro in the offseason, giving up Lonzo Ball.
The Cavs are set to face the Bulls again in Chicago on Thursday night.