CLEVELAND – In a commanding performance, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a decisive 124-101 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, scoring 27 points. Darius Garland supported the effort with 16 points, as Cleveland improved their home record to an impressive 15-1 this season. This victory marked their third win against Milwaukee during the current season, which played without All-Star guard Damian Lillard due to a calf strain.
Evan Mobley also contributed significantly to the team’s success with 15 points, while the Cavaliers showcased their shooting prowess by draining 20 three-pointers, extending their league-best record to 24-4. On the opposing side, Giannis Antetokounmpo put forth a strong effort for the Bucks, scoring 33 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. However, the Bucks appeared to be dealing with the effects of their recent victory in the NBA Cup, which they won just days before this match in Las Vegas.
Milwaukee faced added challenges with Lillard out of the lineup, leaving them without their second-highest scorer, who averages 25.7 points per game. Starting guards Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green struggled, combining for a dismal 0 of 9 shooting from the field.
Coach Doc Rivers of the Bucks has expressed his belief that Lillard’s injury is not severe, and the team is taking a cautious approach. He described the transition from winning a tournament to regular play as “weird,” suggesting that the quick turnaround did not allow players adequate time to recuperate. Rivers expressed hope that the league would reconsider scheduling to avoid such tight intervals in the future.
On the Cavaliers’ side, Max Strus made his long-anticipated season debut after recovering from an ankle injury, contributing nine points in 19 minutes on the court.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Strus hit a three-pointer, followed by Caris LeVert scoring a layup and stealing Milwaukee’s inbound pass. The ball found its way to Donovan Mitchell, who capped off the third quarter with a three-pointer that extended Cleveland’s lead to 27 points with just 1.1 seconds remaining.
In noteworthy statistics, Antetokounmpo was named the MVP of the recent Cup, which adds to his tally of nine individual trophies. This achievement highlights his impressive career, making him the record holder for the most awards among players, surpassing the eight accolades won by legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will host the Washington Wizards on Saturday, while the Cavaliers prepare for a back-to-back matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.