Donovan Mitchell delivered a commanding performance with 27 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 124-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. Cleveland’s league-best record improved to 24-4, and they remain dominant at home with a 15-1 mark.
The Cavaliers showcased their offensive depth, with Darius Garland contributing 16 points and Evan Mobley adding 15. Cleveland drained 20 three-pointers, extending their season dominance over Milwaukee to 3-0. The Bucks, playing without Damian Lillard due to a calf strain, struggled to keep pace.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 33 points and 14 rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s balanced attack. The Bucks’ starting guards, Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green, combined for zero points on 0-for-9 shooting. Milwaukee, fresh off its NBA Cup win, seemed fatigued after the quick turnaround.
For Cleveland, Max Strus made his season debut after recovering from an ankle injury. Strus contributed nine points in 19 minutes, including a key three-pointer that ignited a strong third-quarter run. Caris LeVert followed with a layup, and Mitchell capped the surge with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to push Cleveland’s lead to 27 points entering the fourth quarter.
Cleveland’s defense also played a pivotal role, forcing 20 turnovers and holding Milwaukee to 37% shooting from beyond the arc. Jarrett Allen anchored the interior with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Dean Wade provided a spark with 15 points on efficient 5-for-6 shooting.
Milwaukee’s bench offered moments of production, with Khris Middleton scoring 14 points and MarJon Beauchamp adding eight. However, the Bucks’ overall shooting inconsistency and Cleveland’s relentless pace proved insurmountable.
