The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their NBA Summer League campaign with an emphatic 100-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls on July 18, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Cavaliers controlled the pace from the opening tip, showcasing a blend of sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive transition play that proved too much for the Bulls to overcome.

The game served as an early showcase for several of Cleveland’s young prospects, who are competing for roster spots ahead of the regular season. For Chicago, the loss highlighted areas of growth needed on both ends of the floor, particularly in defensive rotations and secondary scoring.

Match Overview

From the first quarter, the Cavaliers established a double-digit lead, capitalizing on Bulls turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Cleveland shot 48% from the field and connected on 12 three-pointers, while Chicago struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 8 of 27 attempts. The Bulls mounted a brief comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to five, but the Cavaliers responded with an 8-0 run to restore control. A balanced scoring effort and strong rebounding (46-38 advantage) sealed the victory.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: Cleveland opened with a 14-4 run, forcing Chicago head coach into an early timeout. The Bulls never regained the lead.
• Third Quarter Response: Chicago’s guards sparked a 9-2 spurt, pulling within 72-67 with 4:20 left in the third. Cavaliers forward Emoni Bates answered with a corner three and a steal that led to a dunk, reestablishing momentum.
• Fourth Quarter Sealer: With 3:30 remaining and the Bulls trailing by eight, Cleveland’s defense forced three consecutive missed shots, and a transition layup pushed the lead to 14, effectively ending the contest.

Standout Players

• Cleveland Cavaliers: Rookie guard Isaiah Collier led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, adding 6 assists and 4 steals. Forward Emoni Bates contributed 18 points and 8 rebounds, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. Center Khalifa Diop dominated the paint with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds.
• Chicago Bulls: Second-year guard Dalen Terry paced the Bulls with 19 points and 7 assists. Forward Adama Sanogo added 14 points and 10 rebounds. However, leading summer league scorer Javon Freeman-Liberty was held to 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

Table and Season Impact

This victory places the Cavaliers (1-0) in a strong position in the Las Vegas Summer League standings, with early tiebreakers potentially important for seeding in the tournament bracket. The Bulls (0-1) must regroup quickly as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next contest. For Cleveland, this win provides a confidence boost for their young core, while Chicago will look to tighten their defensive schemes and improve shot selection in upcoming games.

The NBA Summer League continues through July 22, with both teams scheduled to play four more games. The Cavaliers will aim to build on this strong showing, while the Bulls will seek their first win in what promises to be a competitive developmental showcase.