On Friday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a stunning upset over the Milwaukee Bucks, defeating the reigning NBA Cup champions 124-101. Led by the dynamic performance of Donovan Mitchell, who netted 27 points, the Cavaliers showcased their firing offensive, which included 20 successful three-pointers.
The game marked the Cavaliers’ continued rise as a formidable force, improving their home record to 15-1 and claiming their third consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the Bucks, who recently celebrated their championship victory, appeared to be feeling the effects of their recent success, reflecting on their hangover from winning the Cup just days prior.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did his best to rally the Bucks, contributing 33 points and snagging 14 rebounds. Despite his impressive efforts, the absence of All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who was sidelined with a strained calf, put the Bucks at a disadvantage.
Milwaukee Coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the team's challenges, stating, "With Lillard sidelined, the Bucks were missing their second-best player and 25.7 points per game." Rivers also referred to the tight schedule, noting how "weird" it felt for his team to resume play right after winning the tournament. He expressed hopes the league would address such scheduling issues, emphasizing the need for sufficient recovery time for teams.
During the game, the Cavaliers capitalized on their cohesive gameplay and strong teamwork. Besides Mitchell, Darius Garland contributed 16 points, and Evan Mobley added 15. The dominance displayed by the Cavaliers was highlighted during a pivotal moment of the game, when Max Strus made his much-anticipated season debut after recovering from ankle surgery. Strus managed to score nine points, underscoring his importance to the team's depth and versatility.
A particularly thrilling moment arose late in the third quarter, when following Strus' three-pointer, Caris LeVert added a layup, and then Mitchell seized the moment by hitting another three-pointer just before the buzzer, pushing Cleveland's lead to 27 points. This sequence exemplified the Cavaliers' offensive fluidity and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
For the Bucks, the starting guard tandem of Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green struggled mightily, combining to shoot 0 of 9. Rivers described the situation as potentially needing "a couple more days to shake off their collective hangover" as they regrouped from the emotional toll of their recent championship win. Calls for increased performance will only grow for both teams as they navigate the depths of the long NBA season.
The Cavaliers' triumph serves as a bold statement, showcasing their capability to defeat even the most skilled opponents. It's worth noting Antetokounmpo’s accolades, having recently been named the MVP of the Cup, marking the ninth trophy he has secured throughout his illustrious career, the most of any player presently, outpacing legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Moving forward, the Bucks are set to host the Washington Wizards on Saturday, hoping to bounce back quickly. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are scheduled for their own back-to-back home game, as they face the Philadelphia 76ers next, aiming to maintain their strong momentum.
The unpredictable nature of professional basketball continues to captivate fans, and the Cavaliers' victory over the Bucks is yet another reminder of why the league remains one of the most thrilling spectacles today.
