Cavs Lockdown Bulls, Win Third Straight

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

For the first time all season, it was the Cleveland Cavaliers defense that out-shined their offense, holding the Chicago Bulls to 37.5 percent shooting in a 108-94 win.

And it was the recently acquired Timofey Mozgov who helped the Cavaliers defense play their best game on that end all season, according to head coach David Blatt. Mozgov had two blocks, but it wasn't the blocks that showed his impact, as he was constantly affecting every Bull's shot that came in the paint. He also was effective at taking one of the Bulls' biggest offensive threats completely out of the game, holding him to 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Gasol was visibly affected by the stifling defense of Mozgov, showing plenty of displeasure during the game.

Mozgov also brought it on the offensive end, adding 15 points and 15 rebounds to his spectacular defensive effort tonight. Along with setting screens at an infinite rate, he showed some solid moves in the post and hitting a few mid-range jump shots.

The rest of the Cavaliers starters were no slouch on the offensive end, adding 26 points from LeBron James, 23 points from J.R. Smith,  and 18 points and 12 assists from Kyrie Irving. With a bench that doesn't have much firepower, the Cavaliers got a great performance from their starters, out-scoring the Bulls starting five 95-59.

After a sweep in Los Angeles this past weekend, tonight's win gives them their third straight victory after a 1-8 stretch in their previous nine games. With the team finally healthy and started to click, the rough road seems to be in the rearview mirror.

Three Things:

1. Defense!

After a two-week stretch . Some of it had to do with a poor shooting performance from the Bulls, but some of it also was due to stellar individual defensive efforts, specifically from Irving and Mozgov. Both of them virtually took their match-ups out of the game, forcing Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol to shoot a combined 9-of-28 from the field. The energy on the defensive end was there and showed dividends, including a few possessions of Kevin Love putting his hands up and at least trying to do something to stop the player he's guarding (it was Taj Gibson). This might be a one-night performance, but it was very encouraging to say the least and an upgrade from where they've been over the last two weeks. 

2. Timofey!

Speaking of Mozgov, he had himself of great game on both ends of the court. He protected the paint extremely well and was some sort of threat on the offensive end, even extending his range and hitting a few 15-footers in the process. He also rebounded the living daylights out of the basketball (as did the rest of the Cavaliers), grabbing 15 rebounds and limiting the Bulls second-chance opportunities. With his length and size, Mozgov has helped fill a big void that was missing in Cleveland all season. People will complain about the price they had to give up for him (two, first round picks), but as of now it looks like they got a bargain out of that deal.

3. J.R.!

"He's not the hero Cleveland deserves, but the one it needs right now. So we'll let him shoot at will. Because he can make those shots. Because he's not our hero. He's heat check guardian, a pull-up protector. A dark GAWD."

Statline of the Night:

Timofey Mozgov: 15 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 7-of-14 shooting.

Grant Hill said Mozgov was the best center Cleveland has had since Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Mozgov certainly backed up Hill's claim, playing like a player the Cavaliers have needed all season.

What's Next:

Jan. 21, at home against the Utah Jazz, 7 p.m.