Cleveland Cavaliers Crush Milwaukee Bucks 135-95, Extending Winning Streak to Six Games

Cleveland, OH—The Cleveland Cavaliers put on a dominant performance at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday night, securing a resounding 135-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This triumph marked the Cavs’ sixth consecutive win, propelling them to an impressive 11-3 record since the unfortunate news of starting point guard Darius Garland’s jaw surgery and starting forward Evan Mobley’s knee surgery on December 15th.

Avenging a Previous Defeat

The Cavs’ victory held particular significance, as it served as payback for their 119-111 loss to the Bucks on December 29th. In that contest, Bucks’ stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the charge, scoring 34 and 31 points, respectively. However, for the rematch, the Bucks were dealt a blow as Antetokounmpo was ruled out due to a right shoulder contusion, while Lillard managed to contribute 17 points.

Mitchell and Allen Shine Bright

Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs’ All-Star guard, continued his impressive scoring prowess, leading the team with 31 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Center Jarrett Allen maintained his hot streak, securing his tenth consecutive double-double, a remarkable achievement in his career. Allen’s contribution included 21 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in the paint.

Niang’s Record-Breaking Performance

Georges Niang, the Cavs’ backup forward, delivered a sizzling performance, setting a new career high in scoring. With his remarkable shooting display, Niang drained a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, giving the Cavs a commanding 116-69 lead. He continued to impress, adding a finger-roll layup, prompting his teammate Tristan Thompson to enthusiastically mimic the shot from the sidelines. Niang’s final tally reached 33 points, surpassing his previous single-game best of 24 points.

Cavs Dominate the Third Quarter

The Cavs seized control of the game in the third quarter, extending their lead over the Bucks to a staggering 42 points. Mitchell’s layup and Caris LeVert’s successful free throws further solidified their dominance. The Cavs’ relentless offense forced the Bucks to call a timeout with 8:46 remaining in the third quarter after Dean Wade drained a 3-pointer, extending Cleveland’s advantage to 80-48. Allen added to the excitement with a remarkable alley-oop pass from Isaac Okoro, tapping the ball into the basket with a volleyball-like move, drawing smiles from his teammates.

A Comfortable Lead at Halftime

The Cavs maintained their sizable lead over the Bucks at halftime, enjoying a 66-41 advantage. Niang led the scoring with 20 points, while Mitchell contributed 19. Niang’s flawless shooting performance, including 4-for-4 from 3-point range, propelled him to a career-high 20 points, surpassing his previous single-game best of 24.

Mitchell’s Dominance in the First Quarter

The Cavs established their dominance early on, led by Mitchell’s impressive scoring. He single-handedly outscored the Bucks 14-7, showcasing his offensive prowess. The Cavs’ overall lead stood at 26-7, with Mitchell accounting for more than half of their points.

Injury Updates and Team History

The Cavs faced several notable absences due to injuries, including Garland, Mobley, and backup point guard Ty Jerome. Caris LeVert, listed as questionable to play due to a wrist injury, was ultimately cleared to participate. On the Bucks’ side, only Antetokounmpo was listed with an injury.

The Cavs hold a historical disadvantage in their all-time series against the Bucks, with a record of 99-131. However, they have enjoyed more success at home, boasting a 62-54 record compared to their 37-77 record on the road. Last season, the two teams split their matchups, winning two games each.

Broadcasting and Media Coverage

The highly anticipated clash between the Cavs and Bucks was televised nationally on ESPN and locally on Bally Sports Ohio. Fans could also tune in to the radio broadcast via WTAM (1100-AM), WMMS (100.7-FM), and WNZN (89.1-FM).

Conclusion

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 135-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks was a resounding display of their talent and resilience. With Mitchell and Allen leading the charge, the Cavs extended their winning streak to six games, demonstrating their determination to overcome adversity and remain a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.