Tonight, the Cleveland Cavaliers proved they are more than a one-man team.

The Cavalier bench came up big to seal their 112-102 victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 2 of their first-round series, propelling them to a 2-0 lead.

LeBron James contributed his characteristic MVP performance, scoring  40 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and handing out 8 assists. 

But it was the strong effort of the home team’s reserves that broke open a 77-77 tie after the third quarter.  During a period when James was resting on the sidelines, Cleveland expanded their lead to five points.  While Chicago head coach Vinny Del Negro was encouraging his squad to get it going, the Cavs were able to keep the Bulls from capitalizing on James’ absence.  Delonte West made a couple of key baskets early in the final quarter, and Jamario Moon hit one of his four treys to allow James to get more rest.

Noah gave a great effort, but his Bulls couldn't close out the Cavs down the stretch.

And when James returned to the action, he once again showed his ability to close out a game.  The leading scorer in the league in the 4th quarter, tonight’s game proved to be no different.  LeBron converted bucket after bucket on various Bulls defenders – Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich – putting his stamp on what had been a nip and tuck contest all night.  James ended the game shooting a remarkable 16-23 from the field.

Prior to LeBron late game outburst, Chicago kept the Cavs from gaining any separation.  Joakim Noah had an outstanding game, 25 points and 13 rebounds, and Derrick Rose put up 23 points and 8 dimes.  Bulls forward Luol Deng was also productive, dropping 20.  But the Bulls seemed to lose confidence in the end game.  Chicago proved to be one or two players short tonight.  The Bulls needed one more prime scoring option to have a chance down the stretch against a focused Cleveland team.

The Bulls should be able to hold their heads high as they go home for Game 3 on Thursday.  They gave a great effort, and for three full quarters the Cavs were unable to shake them.

On the flip side – even though Cleveland will be on the road – it knows that it has the most unstoppable force on its team.  So, if the game comes down to the wire, Cleveland will have an enormous advantage.

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