The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 106-96, at United Center on Saturday night.

The Bulls (23-33) came into the divisional clash in dire need of some momentum, as an extended stretch of losing had left their postseason hopes in dire straits. Chicago set the right tone early by jumping out to a 29-24 lead through one, but the Cavaliers (20-36) managed to erase their deficit and build a two -point lead going into halftime. The home squad then came out of intermission a refocused squad, outscoring Cleveland, 33-21, during the third period to take a 10-point lead into the final period, which proved to also be their final margin of victory.

Collin Sexton and Darius Garland co-led the Cavaliers with matching 22-point tallies, with Sexton also pulling down five rebounds and Garland dishing out 12 assists. Kevin Love generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal. Isaac Okoro poured in 13 points, while Jarrett Allen furnished 10 points, 11 boards and two assists.

Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with 25 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one steal. Denzel Valentine totaled 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Patrick Williams posted 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.

The Cavaliers remain on the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Bulls hit the road and tangle with the Boston Celtics on Monday night as well.