The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance on March 9, 2025, as they secured a 112-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum, completing a clean sweep of their season series against Milwaukee. With this triumph, the Cavaliers extended their winning streak to 14 games, marking one of the finest stretches of their season.
Max Strus led the Cavaliers with 17 points, but he wasn’t the only one making waves. Eight Cavaliers contributed at least nine points to the scoreboard, showcasing the team’s balanced attack. Donovan Mitchell scored 15 points, and both Evan Mobley and Darius Garland added 13 points each. The depth of Cleveland's roster proved to be instrumental, with Strus also grabbing nine rebounds to lead the team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo put forth another stellar performance for the Bucks, finishing the game with 30 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Damian Lillard helped with 22 points, but it was not enough to clinch the win. Milwaukee, now having lost two consecutive games, leaned heavily on their superstars but struggled against Cleveland's cohesive team play.
The game began with intensity from both teams. Cleveland got off to a quick start, riding the momentum of their recent victories, and ended the first quarter leading 34-32, bolstered by shooting 56.5 percent from the floor. The Cavaliers continued to maintain control, heading to halftime with a 62-52 advantage. Strus displayed his shooting prowess, scoring 14 points by the halftime break.
Milwaukee did not back down, led by Antetokounmpo's 18 first-half points. The Bucks attempted to find their rhythm, but their shooting performance fell short as they struggled from the three-point line, finishing the game with only 29.0 percent accuracy from beyond the arc. This inefficiency contrasted sharply with Cleveland's strong 40.4 percentage, which highlighted their effectiveness on both ends of the court.
During the third quarter, Milwaukee clawed their way back, winning the quarter 25-22. Combined efforts from Antetokounmpo and Lillard brought the Bucks within four points, entering the final frame down 84-77. Despite working hard to close the gap, Milwaukee's defensive lapses and turnovers allowed the Cavaliers to retain control of the game.
Early on in the fourth quarter, Cleveland solidified their position, led by clutch shots from Mitchell, Dean Wade, and Isaac Okoro. Wade's 23-footer with just under four minutes left extended the Cavaliers' lead to 105-86, allowing them to cruise to victory. Cleveland's ability to execute key plays under pressure showcased their readiness for postseason competition, as they demonstrated skill and teamwork when it mattered most.
The defeat marked another chapter for the Bucks, who are now vying for important playoff positioning. They currently sit fourth within the Eastern Conference standings but need to recapture their form as they approach the playoffs. Milwaukee’s record dropped to 36-26 after this game, making every upcoming match pivotal.
Reflecting on Cleveland’s performance, this victory not only solidified their current streak but also emphasized their readiness for the playoff challenges ahead. They have successfully swept the season series against Milwaukee for the first time since the 2008-09 season, underscoring their growth as one of the top teams this season. The Cavaliers are now poised to continue their win streak and validate their status as championship contenders.