The Cleveland Cavaliers achieved an impressive 124-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, marking their strong performance at home with a 15-1 record this season. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 27 points, while Darius Garland contributed 16 and Evan Mobley added 15. With this win, the Cavaliers improved their league-best record to 24-4.
This game was notable for Milwaukee, who played their first match since celebrating their NBA Cup victory. Unfortunately, they were without All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who was sidelined due to a calf strain. Without Lillard’s average of 25.7 points per game, the Bucks struggled offensively, with their starting guards shooting a combined 0 for 9 from the field. Giannis Antetokounmpo stood out for Milwaukee, scoring 33 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff was pleased with the team’s effort, especially as they sank 20 three-pointers throughout the game. Max Strus made a notable return from an ankle injury, scoring nine points in his season debut.
A crucial moment in the game occurred late in the third quarter when Strus hit a three-pointer, followed by Caris LeVert’s layup. LeVert then disrupted Milwaukee’s inbound pass, enabling Mitchell to land another three-pointer just before the quarter ended, extending their lead to 27 points.
Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to host the Washington Wizards on Saturday, while the Cavaliers will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their next matchup.
This victory not only emphasizes the Cavaliers’ dominance at home but also reflects their potential as strong playoff contenders this season. The team’s depth and scoring ability, especially in the absence of key opponents, showcases their resilience and adaptability on the court.