Top three player performances from Cleveland Cavaliers preseason loss to Chicago Bulls

The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to 0-2 in their preseason schedule with a 119-112 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

A pair of Cavs starters again took center stage in the road loss, which paired with guard Donovan Mitchell for more than half of Cleveland's points on Thursday.

The Cavs will move on to face the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons to round out their preseason schedule before facing the New York Knicks on Oct. 22.

Evan Mobley

Oct. 7, 2025; Cleveland Cavaliers v. Chicago Bulls. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images — Oct 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Mobley followed up a 12-point performance on Tuesday with 21 points on the road. He hit six of his 10 tries from the floor as he showed off his arsenal with the ball in his hands.

He added five rebounds and four assists as he connected on more routine passes to the 3-point line. Two steals and two blocks showcased the defense that netted him the league's Defensive Player of the Year Award last season as he picked off a bad pass and swatted away drives.

The Cavs' most essential building block can be on pace to taking another giant leap if he continues to keep up his preseason performances.

Donovan Mitchell

Mitchell just barely led the Cavs with 22 points on an efficient shooting night. The All-NBA guard continued to play an electrifying brand of ball with solo sprints on the fastbreak, spot up shots and drives to the hoop. He tacked on six rebounds, including one on offense, to pair with four assists.

Mitchell stole the ball three times as he worked like a free safety on some plays, which only added to a Cavaliers defense that is logging a league-leading 14.5 steals per game this preseason.

In what could be a make-or-break year for the Cavs' core four, Mitchell will need to continue playing a lead role on a Cleveland squad that logged 60 regular-season wins or more for the first time since 2010 last season.

De'Andre Hunter

Oct. 9, 2025; Cleveland Cavaliers v. Chicago Bulls. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images — Oct 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) goes up for a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Hunter hit four of his five three-point attempts on his way to 20 points of his own. The 6-foot-8 forward has been on fire from long range after hitting just over 70% of his 3-point tries this preseason. Two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks would round out his solid outing on the Bulls' home floor.

Hunter can be the glue piece that holds the starting lineup together should he continue to excel as a forward for the Cavs this season.