Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson highlighted the team’s defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter that fueled Tuesday’s 123-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
“A little better defensive effort in the fourth… got the right rotation out there, right players out there. Max hits that big three in the corner. I thought that was huge,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson noted the impact of Evan Mobley and James Harden in carrying the offense: “James and Evan kind of carried us. They’re really starting to get some nice synergy… James finding them on mismatches and helping Evan a lot.”
He explained the decision to close with Sam Merrill and Max Strus together: “I felt like we needed grit and shot making. That’s what they bring to the table… Max wasn’t having the greatest game, but he hits timely threes when you need them.”
The coach emphasized Mobley’s growth without Jarrett Allen: “Better tonight. Process was better… He’s finishing through contact now. Him and James were our best players tonight.”
Atkinson also reflected on managing rotations in the playoffs: “You might be able to do it early in the first round, but eventually get to nine or eight… still evaluating, especially our wings… it’s going to have to be earned.”
He praised the versatility and intangibles that Merrill and Strus bring down the stretch: “Gravity, IQ, toughness… both winning players that we trust a lot… and, of course, the shooting piece.”
The Cavaliers relied on Mobley’s double-double of 27 points and 15 rebounds and Harden’s 27 points to overcome Milwaukee, who played without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner. Sam Merrill scored 17 in his return, while Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 25 points and 10 assists.
Cleveland overcame 11 ties and 16 lead changes, pulling ahead for good on Merrill’s 3-pointer with 6:55 remaining to start an 8-0 run. The Cavs outscored Milwaukee 7-0 following a late 3-pointer by Ousmane Dieng, maintaining at least a five-point lead for the rest of the game.
Cleveland improves to 42-27, currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, while Milwaukee drops to 28-40, struggling without their star and key contributors. The Cavaliers travel to Chicago on Thursday, and the Bucks head to Utah in search of a rebound.
