MILWAUKEE — Donovan Mitchell delivered a stunning performance, scoring 30 points, including a clutch jumper just three-tenths of a second before the final buzzer, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 114-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
The Cavaliers improved to a perfect 7-0, putting them one victory away from equaling their best start in franchise history, which was established in the 1976-77 season when they won their first eight games.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are now on a troubling five-game losing streak following their initial victory of the season. Despite the defeat, Damian Lillard had an impressive outing, scoring 41 points and dishing out nine assists, shooting an outstanding 10 of 15 from beyond the arc.
Lillard’s step-back jumper with just 9.8 seconds left in the game briefly placed the Bucks in the lead. Giannis Antetokounmpo also made a significant contribution with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists.
The Bucks were without Khris Middleton, who is yet to make his season debut due to rehabilitation following ankle surgery.
**Cavaliers’ Strength**: The Cavaliers showcased their resilience by securing a win even while not at full strength, having bested the Orlando Magic 120-109 just one night prior. Cleveland played without Caris LeVert, who was sidelined due to a sore right knee.
**Bucks’ Shooting Improvement**: The Bucks experienced a shooting revival, converting 18 of 39 attempts from 3-point range, a significant improvement after struggling with a combined 17 of 73 in their previous games against Boston and Memphis. Their strong shooting performance facilitated a 16-point advantage in the first quarter. However, Lillard and Antetokounmpo’s efforts were not enough, as they required more support from players like Gary Trent Jr., who managed only three points over 34 minutes.
**Crucial Moment**: Following Lillard’s go-ahead basket, Cleveland took a timeout. During the subsequent play, Evan Mobley inbouded to Mitchell, who narrowly avoided a backcourt violation. After briefly losing control, Mitchell recovered the ball, advanced toward the basket, and nailed a 19-foot shot to seal the game.
**Noteworthy Stat**: Lillard’s 10 made three-pointers marked his highest total since joining the Bucks, and his 41 points were just two shy of his career-high with the team.
**Next Matchup**: The two teams are set to face off again on Monday in Cleveland.
