Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Inexperienced, left, within the first half of an NBA basketball recreation, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Cleveland.
AP Photograph | Sue Ogrocki
CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 27 factors, Darius Garland added 16 and the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 15-1 at residence with a 124-101 victory Friday night time over the Milwaukee Bucks, who had been taking part in for the primary time since their victory within the NBA Cup.
Cleveland is 3-0 this season towards Milwaukee, which was with out All-Star guard Damian Lillard as a consequence of a calf pressure.
Evan Mobley scored 15 factors and Cleveland made 20 3-pointers whereas pushing its league-best report to 24-4.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 factors and 14 rebounds for the Bucks, who might have just a few extra days to shake off their collective hangover after successful the Cup on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
With Lillard sidelined, the Bucks had been lacking their second-best participant and 25.7 factors per recreation. Milwaukee’s beginning guards — Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Inexperienced — shot a mixed 0-of-9.
Takeaways
Bucks: Coach Doc Rivers does not suppose Lillard’s damage is “severe” and the group is cautious. … Rivers stated it was “bizarre” to win a match and return to play. The turnaround did not give Milwaukee gamers a lot time to recuperate. Rivers hopes the league addresses this slender window sooner or later.
Cavaliers: Max Strus made his season debut after being sidelined with an ankle damage. He completed with 9 factors in 19 minutes.
Key second
After Strus made a 3-pointer, Caris LeVert dropped a layup then batted down Milwaukee’s inbounds move. The ball received to Mitchell, who made a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left within the third quarter to present the Cavs a 27 lead.
Key statistic
Antetokounmpo was named Cup MVP, the ninth trophy the eight-time All-Star and two-time league MVP has gained in his profession – essentially the most for any participant. Michael Jordan and LeBron James have every gained eight.
To be continued
The Bucks host Washington on Saturday. It is also a back-to-back recreation for the Cavaliers, who host Philadelphia.
