The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance Friday night, dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 124-101 in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference clash. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive 33 points and 14 rebounds, the Cavs proved unstoppable, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 27 points and a balanced attack featuring six double-figure scorers. Cleveland’s sharpshooting was on full display, hitting 50.5% from the field and 42.6% from beyond the arc. This marked their league-best 12th game with a 50/40 shooting split, cementing their position as the NBA’s most efficient offense.
The starting five outscored Milwaukee’s lineup 83-48, with Darius Garland contributing 16 points. The Cavs trailed for only 29 seconds before taking control with a 69-51 halftime lead. By the fourth quarter, their advantage swelled to 36 points. "Just a level of tenacity and hunger — not being satisfied with where we are," said Donovan Mitchell, reflecting on his team's relentless effort.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks faced their first test following their NBA Cup victory, and it turned out to be quite the disappointment. The Bucks, who had recently celebrated their championship win, looked tired and uncoordinated against the Cavs. Coach Doc Rivers expressed frustration, stating, "We were flat early. I actually contemplated not playing anyone in the second half, honestly. I just thought we were flat, tired, whatever you want to call it. It was a tough turnaround — we’ve got to move the ball more. We didn’t run a lot of stuff tonight. We’ve got to get more organized." Rivers lamented the game’s outcomes, emphasizing the lack of actionable insights gained from it.
Despite the return of Khris Middleton, who had missed the NBA Cup finale due to illness, the Bucks struggled. The absence of Damian Lillard was glaringly evident. Middleton and Antetokounmpo failed to effectively utilize their partnership, with Rivers highlighting the lack of ball movement and overall organization. Reflecting on the impact of Lillard's absence, Antetokounmpo noted, "The number one thing is for Dame to be healthy. I think when we are a healthy team we are a totally different team, we are a team to be scared of."
Cleveland capitalized on Milwaukee’s disarray. The Cavs led with remarkable shooting and offensive coordination, reflecting their status as the league's leaders with 24 wins against only 4 losses this season. With this victory, they not only maintained their top spot but also showcased their potential to challenge for the NBA championship.
Kenny Atkinson, head coach of the Cavaliers, expressed confidence, particularly noting Max Strus' return to the lineup and its impact on the team's energy. Strus, who missed the first 27 games of the season, contributed nine points and helped maintain the team's offensive rhythm. Atkinson remarked, "He's going to come in and everything...it's like turbo. You saw it last year. What were we, 4-6, without him or something like? [It's helpful] just for defenses to have to pay attention to him."
The matchup effectively exposed the cracks within the Bucks' game plan. Without Lillard, who was sidelined with a calf strain, the team's strategy fell apart, especially as they struggled to execute plays and movements. The Bucks rank low within the league for assist percentage, making them reliant on individual efforts, which were easily stifled by Cleveland's defensive setup.
This game intensified questions about Milwaukee's lineup. Rivers faces tough decisions as Middleton's playing time increases. The integration of both Middleton and Lillard raises tactical questions about how best to utilize their skills alongside Antetokounmpo.
For the Cavs, this victory was not just about winning; it was about making a statement. Their 15-1 home record showcases their prowess as they push for top seed positioning toward the playoffs. Even with Cleveland’s historic start of 24-4 matching their 2008-09 record, the team remains focused on each upcoming challenge.
With this newfound momentum, they aim to continue setting the tone throughout the league as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the Bucks will be forced to regroup and reassess their strategy as they prepare to face the Washington Wizards next.
