The Cavs(22-11) continued their six-game homestand on Wednesday night against the Bucks(22-9), and for the first time in three games, Cleveland defeated Milwaukee 114-106.
Cleveland has now won five straight.
Here’s the Great, Not So Great, and the Bottom Line of the Cavs’ big win over the Bucks.
Great:
Donovan Mitchell was sensational again; he had 36 points, four rebounds, and six assists. He feasted at the line as he was 15/16 from the stripe. Mitchell has scored 20-plus points in nine straight games.
Darius Garland also brought it for the Cavs; he had 23 points. The Cavs backcourt combined for 59 points.
Jarrett Allen was efficient, proficient, and just got the job done. He had 19 points on 7/9 shooting and eight rebounds.
Defense: Cleveland did a solid job on the defensive end. They created 16 of Milwaukee’s 21 turnovers in the first half, and Cleveland had 22 points off those 21 turnovers.
In addition, they held the Bucks to 40% shooting in the first half. Cavs led 60-42 at halftime.
Not So Great:
Fourth Quarter: The Cavs let the Bucks creep back in this one in the fourth. The Bucks outscored the Cavs 29-21 in the quarter. Cleveland shot only 33% from the floor, including 0/5 from deep. The Cavs led by as many as 25 points in the third and 16 in the fourth. Milwaukee cut the lead to five late, but Garland made a fadeaway and two free throws, and the Cavs held on.
Bottom Line:
This is a big win for the Cavs. Yes, Khris Middleton didn’t play for Milwaukee, and even without Middleton, the Bucks are still an outstanding basketball team, so again, a good win for the Cavs.
As we look at the standings in the East, we see the Cavs moving on up. With the win, the third-seeded Cavs are now one game behind the Bucks for the top spot in the East and 1/2 game behind the second-seeded Celtics.
Cleveland is taking advantage of this home cooking and is 16-2 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which is the best home record in the NBA.
What’s Next:
Cleveland continues their six-game homestand on Friday night against the Raptors.
Best of the Rest:
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a season-high 45 points and 14 rebounds; he also added two blocks; Jrue Holiday had nine points, a season-high nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Lamar Stevens miss his third game with knee soreness.
