Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to victory with 34 points and 16 rebounds. In comparison, Damian Lillard added 31 points, 24 of which came in the second half, as they overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 during Friday’s NBA action.
Antetokounmpo and Lillard had a remarkable third quarter, each scoring 14 points, which was crucial in turning around a 15-point deficit. This effort helped propel Milwaukee, which now boasts the third-best record in the NBA at 24-8.
Antetokounmpo emphasized the effectiveness of having the ball in the hands of the team’s best players, scoring opportunities or making plays for teammates.
“When you put the basketball in the hands of your two best players, you’re going to get good results,” Antetokounmpo said. “If you want to double-team Dame, then I’m going to be open to make a play or get the ball to my teammates.”
For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell returned from a four-game absence due to illness to score 34 points, along with six rebounds and nine assists. Jarrett Allen had a career night, scoring 30 points on 15-of-17 shooting and adding 12 rebounds and six assists.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Bucks also saw significant contributions from Malik Beasley, who scored 15 points from beyond the arc, and Khris Middleton, who had 13 points and a season-high 11 assists. Brook Lopez’s presence was felt with nine points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks.
Lillard, who was perfect from the free-throw line in the second half, praised the team’s inside-out approach and its growth, exemplified in such a challenging game.
“I thought we were able to break them down inside-out tonight,” Lillard said. “Our team is growing and we’re establishing ourselves. I think it shows in this type of a game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Cleveland, however, struggled from three-point range, shooting a season-low 14% and missing 37 of 43 attempts. The team has been adapting to the absence of key players Evan Mobley and Darius Garland due to injuries.
Bucks coach Adrian Griffin highlighted the team’s focus on defending the three-point line. The Bucks, who recently completed a successful four-game road trip, will continue a busy schedule with only one home game in an eight-game stretch.
“It was a big point of emphasis to protect the 3-point line because they’ve been playing some really good ball,” Griffin said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the difficulty in defending both Antetokounmpo and Lillard, describing it as a significant challenge.
“Dame is also a guy who can singlehandedly take over a game,” Bickerstaff said. “You can’t stop Giannis and him, so you have to figure out how to balance your defense. It’s a challenge.”
Antetokounmpo also praised Allen for his impressive performance, acknowledging the difficulty in guarding him.
“Man, he’s tough to guard,” Antetokounmpo said of Allen. “His stats have improved so much. When a big guy like that is making jump shots and shooting those hooks over you, there is nothing you can do really to stop him.”
Looking forward, the Bucks are set to host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, while the Cavaliers will travel to face the Toronto Raptors.
