CHICAGO– Nikola Mirotic scored 19 points and Derrick Rose added 18 to lead the Chicago Bulls to a season-opening 97-95 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers with President Barack Obama watching on Tuesday night.
Pau Gasol blocked a potential tying layup by James in the closing seconds. Jimmy Butler then broke up an inbounds pass intended for James as time expired.
.@kevinlove NAILS two clutch threes, but Chicago survives this one.#CavsBulls BOX: https://t.co/B3fNGc7CNw pic.twitter.com/ve0Hrjwf0K
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 28, 2015
The president sat courtside for most of the game as his beloved Bulls knocked off the defending Eastern Conference champions and gave coach Fred Hoiberg a narrow win in his first game.
Good to be home for a night. Even better to see the @chicagobulls start the season off right! #SeeRed
— President Obama (@POTUS44) October 28, 2015
The @POTUS & @KingJames. 🇺🇸#CavsBulls pic.twitter.com/RZJ98zFEQ4
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 28, 2015
James scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Cleveland, but the Cavaliers came up short against the team they knocked out in the conference semifinals last season.
Up next for the Cavs: They take on the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. The Cavs first home game of the season is this Friday; they take on the Miami Heat. **Everything you need to know about the Cavs Home Opener right here**
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