by The top two defensive teams in the NBA squared off from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland tonight for a Central Division showdown. The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t stumble nor collapse as they did in the 3rd quarter of the first two games leading to defeat. They managed to not break and finish the game for a big win over the Milwaukee Bucks 114-106.
Coming into tonight’s contest the Bucks would be without Khris Middleton for the third consecutive game. Once again, Giannis Antetokounmpo would have to shoulder more of the workload to come away with a big road win. The first quarter began with Antetokounmpo going full attack mode early on forcing the issue in the paint. Evan Mobley was an early culprit of the Bucks attack around the rim, picking up three fouls in the first half. But on the offensive side of the ball the Cavaliers found success early on.
Midway through the 1st quarter, the Cavs began a 17-0 run that would give them a 15-point first quarter lead. Kevin Love fueled the run with back to back three pointers. From there it was a true team effort on both ends of the floor. Darius Garland, and Cedi Osman helped lead the run as well. Turnovers by Milwaukee would lead to scores for Cleveland, giving them a 15-point lead to end the first.
Cleveland did not let off the gas pedal in the 2nd, continuing their assault on both ends. Opening up a 22-point lead, their largest of the game to this point. Milwaukee put together their own big run to get back into the game. It was a 10-2 run capped off by a Brook Lopez bucket with 3:21 left in the half. After the lead was cut to 9 by the Bucks, the Cavs had to make a response to finish the half strong. Which is exactly what they did. Strong interior defense made Antetokounmpo work for every single basket leading to frustration for the Greek Freak. The Cavs would head to the locker room with a 18-point lead.
Cleveland forced 16 first half turnovers leading to 17 points. If this were to continue this game would get out of hand quickly for Milwaukee. The Cavs would continue their approach from the first half with spreading the wealth. The 3rd quarter ended on a rare set of plays. Donovan Mitchell banked in a 39-footer for 3 with just 2.1 to go. But then Jrue Holiday responded with his own 39-foot bank shot to give the Bucks some momentum heading into the 4th.
The Bucks put together a strong attempt in the 4th quarter with Antetokounmpo leading the charge getting them within 10. But, the Cavs had an answer for every run made by Milwaukee.
Cleveland would open up a 14 point advantage with 4:19 left that would soon dwindle down to nearly a one possession game. The Bucks had a shot to make it a one possession game but Joe Ingles’ 3 was off the mark resulting in a “wedgie.” Following the center court jump ball, Donovan Mitchell would seal the game, hitting 2 more free throws to go 9-9 for the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with a season-high 45 points, along with 14 rebounds, another monster night for the Greek Freak. The three headed monster of Jarrett Allen (19pts.), Darius Garland (23pts.), and Donovan Mitchell (36pts.) each scored in double figures tonight. With this 114-106 win, the Cavaliers improved to 22-11 and a NBA best 16-2 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Bucks are now 22-9 on the season.
Cleveland vs. Toronto – Dec.23rd
Milwaukee @ Brooklyn – Dec.23rd
