Cleveland Cavaliers Crush Milwaukee Bucks 135-95, Extending Winning Streak to Six Games
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive run of form, dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 135-95 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to six games.
Dominant Performance Propels Cavs to Victory
The Cavs, playing without injured All-Stars Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, put on a dominant display, asserting their authority from the opening tip. Donovan Mitchell led the charge, pouring in 31 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, reaching the significant milestone of 11,000 career regular-season points in the process.
Jarrett Allen continued his hot streak, notching his 10th consecutive double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Georges Niang stole the show with a career-high 33 points, including 8-of-8 from the field and 4-of-4 from beyond the arc in the first half. His scorching shooting gave the Cavs a commanding lead, which they never relinquished.
Bucks Struggle Without Antetokounmpo, Lillard Contained
The Bucks, missing their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a shoulder injury, struggled to find their rhythm. Damian Lillard, who had torched the Cavs for 31 points in their previous meeting, was held to a relatively tame 17 points. The Cavs’ defense clamped down on the Bucks, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Cavs Seize Control Early, Maintain Momentum
The Cavs seized control of the game early, jumping out to a 26-7 lead in the first quarter, with Mitchell leading the charge. They continued to pour it on in the second quarter, extending their advantage to 66-41 at halftime.
The third quarter was no different, as the Cavs repeatedly pushed their lead to 42 points, leaving the Bucks reeling. Niang’s career-high scoring night added to the Cavs’ offensive explosion, while the team’s defense remained impenetrable.
Cavaliers’ Hot Streak Continues, Bucks’ Winning Run Snapped
With the victory, the Cavs improved their record to 24-15, continuing their impressive run despite the absence of key players. Meanwhile, the Bucks’ three-game winning streak came to an abrupt end, dropping their record to 28-13.
The Cavs’ victory was a testament to their resilience and depth. Mitchell and Allen have stepped up in the absence of Garland and Mobley, while Niang’s breakout performance provided a much-needed spark. The Cavs will look to keep their winning streak alive when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Additional Highlights and Notable Moments:
- Georges Niang’s scorching shooting performance included a 3-pointer that gave the Cavs a 47-point lead, their largest of the game.
- Jarrett Allen’s three-point play in the third quarter, where he used a volleyball-like move to tap the ball into the basket off an alley-oop pass from Isaac Okoro, epitomized the Cavs’ fun and relaxed demeanor in the lopsided contest.
- Caris LeVert, who was questionable to play due to a wrist injury, made his presence felt with 15 points off the bench, providing valuable contributions to the Cavs’ offensive firepower.
- The Cavs’ defense held the Bucks to just 35.6% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Game Information:
- Venue: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
- Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2023
- Final Score: Cleveland Cavaliers 135, Milwaukee Bucks 95
- Attendance: 19,432
Injury Report:
- Cavaliers: Darius Garland (jaw surgery), Evan Mobley (knee surgery), Ty Jerome (ankle)
- Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo (right shoulder contusion)
Broadcast Information:
- TV: ESPN, Bally Sports Ohio
- Radio: WTAM (1100-AM), WMMS (100.7-FM), WNZN (89.1-FM)
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