The NBA can always bet on an undefeated team.
The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to start the campaign at 12 following a 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
The Cavs become just the eighth team to go 12-0 and are the first since the Golden State Warriors to kick off their season in 2015-16 with such a record. The latter had a streak of 24 games without defeat.
Donovan Mitchell kept the Cavaliers in the lead in the first half with 25 points, including 15 on shots from downtown. The Bulls built a nine-point lead in the third quarter, but Cleveland responded with an 11-2 run to tie the score and then took control.
The Cavs were able to take a slight advantage in the fourth quarter to maintain the lead until the end. Mitchell finished his evening with 36 points.
For the Bulls, Zach LaVine was the most productive with 26 points.
The Cavaliers will try to match the best winning streak in team history at any point in the season on Wednesday when they face the Philadelphia 76ers.
Career high of 45 pts for “SGA”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set a new career high with 45 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 134-128 in their first game of the season without Chet Holmgren.
The colossus Holmgren will miss at least eight weeks of activities due to a pelvic fracture suffered during Sunday’s loss to Golden State.
The 7-foot-1 center had been one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA earlier this season, in addition to being one of the best blockers.
Gilgeous-Alexander ignored his teammate’s absence by hitting 13 of his 21 shots, in addition to adding 15 free throws in 16 attempts at the line. Jalen Williams added 28 points, and the Montrealer had 19 in OKC’s victory.
The Thunder are atop the West with a 9-2 record. The club will play again Wednesday evening at home, against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Clippers’ Norman Powell excelled with 31 points, nine more than Ivica Zubac. Derrick Jones scored 20 points, three more than James Harden.
Elsewhere in the NBA
Kings 96 – Spurs 116
SAC: Domantas Sabonis had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists.
SAS: Victor Wembanyama had a blast with 34 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists.
Nets 107 – Pelicans 105
BKN: Ben Simmons had 12 assists, 6 points and 5 rebounds.
NOP: Brandon Ingram responded with 24 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds.
Wizards 92 – Rockets 107
WAS: Jordan Poole was the best of his team with 11 points, 6 assists and 4 steals.
HOU: Alperen Sengün had 27 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.
