Donovan Mitchell delivered 37 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 118-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night at Rocket Arena. Cleveland moved to 10-5, while Milwaukee fell to 8-7 after losing Giannis Antetokounmpo to a left groin strain in the second quarter.
Antetokounmpo left with 3:03 remaining in the half and did not return. The All-Star forward entered the game tied for second in league scoring at 32.6 points per game and had 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 13 minutes. Coach Doc Rivers said additional evaluation is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Cavaliers took advantage of the Bucks’ shifting rotations and controlled the final stretch. Mitchell scored 25 points before halftime and notched his fifth game of at least 35 points this season. His shot creation steadied Cleveland after the team trailed 30-16 early in the first quarter.
Sam Merrill added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including six 3-pointers. He scored 11 in the closing period as Cleveland widened its margin. Jarrett Allen posted 12 points and six rebounds, while Evan Mobley had 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Milwaukee stayed competitive behind seven players in double figures. Ryan Rollins led the visitors with 24 points and hit five 3-pointers. Myles Turner added 15 points and seven rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma finished with 10 points.
The game shifted late in the third quarter. The teams were tied at 88 before Cleveland used a 12-3 run across quarters to gain separation. The Cavaliers’ largest advantage reached 14 as they controlled the glass and limited second-chance opportunities.
Milwaukee shot 17-of-36 from beyond the arc but struggled to generate stops without Antetokounmpo’s rim protection. Cleveland countered by shooting 56 percent from the field and winning the rebounding battle 45-34.
Cleveland continues its homestand on Wednesday against Houston. Milwaukee returns home to meet Philadelphia on Thursday, with Antetokounmpo’s status now the Bucks’ primary concern.
