Cavs show polish where it matters, even if preseason results say otherwise

The Cavaliers still haven’t notched a preseason victory under Kenny Atkinson, but that’s about the only thing missing right now.

Cleveland fell to the host Bulls again on Thursday night, 119–112, though several key names looked just about ready for Oct. 22 in New York.

Donovan Mitchell led the way with 22 points in 25 minutes, drilling three triples and doing everything short of cutting down the nets.

Evan Mobley followed with 21 points, five rebounds, and a handful of highlight-worthy plays that reminded everyone just how high his ceiling still is.

De’Andre Hunter kept his strong preseason rolling with 20 points, including four makes from deep, while Jarrett Allen looked sturdy inside.

Atkinson went away from his hockey-line rotations this time, choosing to mix and match his starters through the third quarter. Jaylon Tyson again filled in for the injured Sam Merrill, and the coach sprinkled in some end-of-bench names late, including rookie Tyrese Proctor two-way man Luke Travers, camp invitee Killian Hayes, and new signee Thomas Bryant.

The Cavs opened hot, scoring on their first five possessions and jumping out to a quick double-digit lead before turnovers and cold shooting flipped momentum back toward Chicago. From there, it was a back-and-forth exhibition with nine lead changes and eight ties before a missed Proctor three in the final seconds sealed it.

The good news for Cleveland? The losses don’t matter.

The rhythm does. And that part already appears good to go.