Cleveland Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak, Blow Out Milwaukee Bucks 135-95
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive run of form on Wednesday night, dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 135-95 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to extend their winning streak to six games.
The victory marked a satisfying payback for the Cavs, who had suffered a 119-111 defeat at the hands of the Bucks on December 29. In that game, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard had combined for 65 points, leading the Bucks to victory.
However, the rematch saw a different story unfold. Antetokounmpo was ruled out for the game due to a right shoulder contusion, while Lillard was held to just 17 points.
In the absence of their star player, the Bucks struggled to keep pace with the Cavs, who were firing on all cylinders from the outset. Donovan Mitchell led the scoring for Cleveland with 31 points, while Jarrett Allen added 21 points and 13 rebounds.
The Cavs’ bench also played a significant role in the victory, with Georges Niang contributing a career-high 33 points. Niang was on fire from the field, shooting 12-of-16 overall and 5-of-7 from three-point range.
The Cavs’ dominance was evident in every aspect of the game. They shot 52.9% from the field compared to the Bucks’ 39.8%, and they outrebounded Milwaukee 55-36.
The win improved the Cavs’ record to 24-15, while the Bucks dropped to 28-13.
Cavs’ Winning Streak Continues Despite Injuries
The Cavs’ recent success has come despite the absence of two key players, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Garland has been out since December 15 with a jaw injury, while Mobley has been sidelined since December 28 with a knee injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Cavs have shown great resilience and determination. They have gone 11-3 since Garland and Mobley went down, with Mitchell and Allen leading the charge.
Niang’s Career Night
Georges Niang’s performance against the Bucks was one of the most impressive of his career. The 29-year-old forward scored a career-high 33 points, surpassing his previous best of 24 points.
Niang was efficient from the field, shooting 12-of-16 overall and 5-of-7 from three-point range. He also grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 3 assists.
Niang’s performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has become a valuable contributor for the Cavs this season, providing a spark off the bench with his shooting and energy.
Cavs’ Defense Stifles Bucks
The Cavs’ defense played a key role in their victory over the Bucks. They held Milwaukee to just 39.8% shooting from the field, including 28.6% from three-point range.
The Cavs also forced the Bucks into 17 turnovers, which led to 21 points for Cleveland.
The Cavs’ defense has been one of their strengths all season long. They rank among the top teams in the league in several defensive categories, including points allowed per game and opponent field goal percentage.
Looking Ahead
The Cavs will look to extend their winning streak to seven games when they host the Washington Wizards on Friday night. The Wizards are currently 17-24 and have lost four of their last five games.
After facing the Wizards, the Cavs will embark on a three-game road trip, which will see them play the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets.
The Cavs will then return home to face the New York Knicks on January 24.
Call to action: Are you excited about the Cavs’ recent success? Share your thoughts and predictions for the rest of the season in the comments below!