In a thrilling showdown at the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Bucks edged out the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Missing key players James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs fought valiantly but couldn't overcome the Bucks' impressive team effort, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined.
Kevin Porter Jr. stepped up for Milwaukee, leading the charge with 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. It was a collective effort, though, as seven Bucks players finished in double digits, showcasing their depth and resilience.
The game came down to the wire. With 20 seconds left, Kevin Porter Jr. put Milwaukee ahead by two.
Dennis Schroder made a daring drive into the paint, but his contested layup bounced to Jarrett Allen, who managed to sink a layup through traffic. Unfortunately for the Cavs, Allen's shot was just a fraction too late, sealing the win for the Bucks.
This loss nudged the Cavaliers down to the No. 4 seed in the standings, now trailing the New York Knicks with a 37-23 record. Jarrett Allen was a standout for Cleveland, posting 27 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 10th double-double in 11 games. Allen has been on a tear since his 40-point explosion against the Trail Blazers earlier in the month.
Dennis Schroder also made his presence felt, contributing 26 points and five assists on an efficient 8-14 shooting. Despite missing their stars, the Cavs managed to keep pace with Milwaukee, showcasing their depth and tenacity.
However, the Bucks' shooting was the difference-maker, as they hit 54.5% from the field and drained 19 of their 45 three-point attempts. In contrast, the Cavs struggled from long range, connecting on just 30% of their shots from beyond the arc. This shooting disparity ultimately tipped the scales in favor of Milwaukee, who continue to demonstrate their formidable depth and versatility.