The third attempt will have been the right one! After two losses against the Bucks this season, including a very frustrating one at home, the Cavaliers finally manage to bring down the leaders of the NBA.
A success (114-106) which does not suffer from any challenge, and the bit between their teeth, Donovan Mitchell’s teammates took control in the second half of the first quarter. While the match was balanced, the exit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had already caused four faults, will completely change the game. Especially since Cleveland then brings in Kevin Love.
For five minutes, the Bucks remain silent, and the Cavaliers take the opportunity to sign a 15-0! This is the gap at the end of the first quarter (35-20). We find Kevin Love in quarterback for a dunk from Cedi Osman, then Donovan Mitchell tests the ankles of Joe Ingles on a 3-point stepback. The gap swells (60-42 at halftime) and Giannis’ talent is not enough.
Upon returning from the locker room, Donovan Mitchell scored the first six points to cross the 20-point gap (66-42). The match becomes completely unbridled, and the two-man game between Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen maintains the gap at around 15-20 points (85-61).
In the 4th quarter, Giannis is everywhere, and almost on his own, he brings the Bucks back to 10 lengths (109-99) at the start of “money time”. The Bucks even sign a 9-0 to go below the 10-point mark. But Mitchell and Garland do not tremble at free throws, and the Cavaliers win 114-106.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Distant basket competition. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Donovan Mitchell planted a 3-pointer with the 11-meter board. On the throw-in, Jrue Holiday gives him back his coin from the same distance and the two congratulate each other!
Collective at half mast. The Bucks waited until the 15th minute, and their 24th and 25th points, to sign their first assist of the evening. It’s Grayson Allen who unlocks the counter on a pass for the inevitable Giannis.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Donovan Mitchell. Another very good game from Donovan Mitchell, whose aggressiveness hurt the Bucks a lot. He had never attempted and scored so many shots this season: 15 out of 16!
✅ Kevin Love. His entry into play is decisive to make the break in the 1st quarter.
✅ Jarrett Allen. Beyond his 19 points and 8 rebounds, he is the only one who managed to slow down (a little) Giannis. He allowed himself to dominate Brook Lopez and it’s not given to everyone this season.
✅ Giannis Antetokounmpo. With 45 points, the double MVP signs his best total of the season. As soon as he came out, the Bucks sank…
⛔ Bobby Portis. Small exit from the 6th man from Milwaukee, limited to 6 points and dominated by Kevin Love.
THE FOLLOWING
Cleveland (22-11) : reception of Toronto on Friday.
Milwaukee (22-9) : complicated trip to Brooklyn on Friday.
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