Cavs lose 3 of 4 preseason games in slow start

Cleveland Cavaliers push the pace early, with Jarrett Allen going for a layup in their first preseason game against the Bulls on Oct. 7. (credit: Grace Salter)

Mid-air battle for the ball between the Cavaliers and the Bulls. (credit: Grace Salter)

Tyrese Proctor holds down the court, guarding two Chicago Bulls players. (credit: Grace Salter)

High energy on the court as players scramble to secure the ball. (credit: Grace Salter)

Final seconds of the Cavaliers vs. Pistons game in their final preseason game on on Oct. 14. (credit: Alex Razayeski)

By GRACE SALTER - posted October 22, 2025

The Chicago Bulls narrowly defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-117 in their first preseason matchup at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Tuesday, Oct. 7. Jevon Carter’s last second fast break layup secured the win for the visiting Bulls.

De’Andre Hunter and Craig Porter Jr. each had 17 points to as Cleveland’s leading scorers, with Porter hitting all five of his 3-point attempts. Evan Mobley added 12 points and Donovan Mitchell contributed with seven points on only five shot attempts.

Larry Nance Jr. had a strong performance in his first game back with the franchise since 2021, posting 11 points, four rebounds while dishing out three assists. Cavaliers rookie Tyrese Proctor also made a strong debut, scoring 14 points in 12 minutes, including three 3-pointers and adding two assists.

The Cavaliers led 37-26 after the first quarter but were outscored 31-20 in the second, allowing the Bulls to take a 57-53 halftime lead. Cleveland regained the lead in the third quarter but couldn’t hold off Chicago’s late-game surge, being outscored 35-27 in the fourth quarter.

The loss marked the start of a challenging preseason stretch for Cleveland. The Cavaliers went on to lose their next two games -- a 119-112 loss in Chicago on Oct. 9 and a 138-107 defeat at Boston on Oct. 12. A win at home Oct. 14 against the Detroit Pistons allowed the Cavs to salvage some pride from what was otherwise a wobbly preseason.

Despite going 1-3 in their first four games, the Cavs did show some moments of depth and potential as they prepare to open their regular season on the road against the New York Knicks on Wednesday Oct. 22 at Madison Square Garden.