Cavaliers vs. Bulls 2015 final score: 3 things we learned from Cleveland’s series-clinching blowout win
Matthew Dellavedova had an excellent game as the Cavaliers move on past the Bulls.
Chicago did have a seven-point lead nine minutes into the game, but the game turned dramatically from that point forward. Even without Kyrie Irving for the entire second half, Cleveland battered down the Bulls with the determination of a team weary of a long struggle. The Cavaliers had its struggles throughout the series, but their advantage was obvious throughout the six games when they were playing their finest ball. By halftime, they had built a 14-point lead and it swelled past 20 in the fourth quarter.
Irving left the game halfway through the second quarter after stepping on a teammate’s foot backpedaling on defense. The Cleveland point guard is battling with a right foot strain and left knee tendinitis so it appeared the injury, which did not look severe, just aggravated his lower half. He could have returned after halftime but with the game in-hand, he never had to.
Matthew Dellavedova started the second half in Irving's absence and had the game of his life, scoring 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Now, the Cavaliers await the winner of the Wizards vs. Hawks series.
Here are three things we learned.
1. Dellavedova made Australia proud
Even during stretches when all nine other players on the floor were struggling, Dellavedova shined. Especially with Irving's absence, the Cavaliers needed some big minutes from their backup point guard and Dellavedova answered the call at every turn. He's developed potent pick-and-roll chemistry with fellow "bench mob" Tristan Thompson and the two seem to be good for an alley-oop once a game now. While Irving is obviously the key, Dellavedova's strong play this postseason helps alleviate the concerns of Irving maybe needing a few more minutes of rest.
2. When basketball breaks bad
The third quarter was ... something. The Bulls made one field goal in the opening eight minutes while the Cavaliers didn’t score until 6:13 remained. It was captivating for all the wrong reasons, keeping eyes on the screen for the sheer ridiculousness of the quality of play.
At one point, this happened. This sums up the quarter well.
Slumberparty! pic.twitter.com/5vm8t2Dv4w
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) May 15, 2015 3. So long to the nonsensical Bulls
Occasionally, it felt like Chicago was the best team in basketball. Sometimes, it wasn’t clear how they won a single game all season, like their third quarter performance. Mostly, the Bulls’ season was just bizarre, better enjoyed carelessly without a microscopic focus on everything that didn’t work.
It's been rumored that Tom Thibodeau will not return to the team next season, so Chicago may have a new look headed into next season. What's to come will be fascinating because as we know, anyone in the Eastern Conference has a shot. Maybe a new coach is what Chicago needs to breathe new life into a clearly talented team.
