The defending NBA champions are now aware that the Cleveland Cavaliers are a real threat.
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Kevin Love had 25 points, Cedi Osman had 23, and the Cavaliers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 115-99 on Wednesday night, their most remarkable win in what has been a turnaround season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo said “This is not the Cleveland we knew over the past few years. They have a good team and we have to respect them more. They’re a playoff team and are fighting for the title themselves.”
Last season, the Cavs won just 22 games and were relegated to the draught lottery for the third year in a row. Cleveland has not only topped their victory total this season but they are now tied for the most victories in the Eastern Conference (30-19).
For the Cavs, Darius Garland had 19 points and youngster Evan Mobley had 16. Jarrett Allen recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds in his comeback after missing one game due to sickness.
The threes keep coming ?@dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/kZm6Mmj8no
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 27, 2022
After missing a game due to knee pain, Antetokounmpo scored 26 points, but he also committed seven of Milwaukee’s 19 turnovers, which contributed to Cleveland scoring 31 points. The Bucks, who had a three-game winning run snapped, got 22 points from Bobby Portis and 21 points from Khris Middleton.
Milwaukee has dropped four straight games on the road, a season-high, and the problems began in the third period.
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After a poor start, Cleveland recovered, improved its perimeter defense, and established an eight-point halftime advantage. The Cavs then went on an 11-2 run to start the second half, with Garland, Mobley, and Dean Wade each hitting three 3-pointers in a 48-second stretch.
Before Garland left with back stiffness, the Cavaliers extended their advantage to 93-72. After making a reverse layup, the rookie point guard appeared to land uncomfortably and retreated to the locker room for treatment before returning. Garland, according to Bickerstaff, is OK.
Because Milwaukee prefers to shoot 3-pointers — and give them up — Bickerstaff predicted that 3-pointers would be crucial before the game.
After the Bucks hit six three-pointers in the opening quarter, the Cavaliers hit seven in the second to lead 65-57 at halftime.
While the outside scoring was excellent, Mobley had the most noteworthy bucket of the half, dunking over Antetokounmpo after Garland snuck him a ball on the baseline.
Because Milwaukee prefers to shoot 3-pointers — and give them up — Bickerstaff predicted that 3-pointers would be crucial before the game.
After the Bucks hit six three-pointers in the opening quarter, the Cavs hit seven in the second to lead 65-57 at halftime.
While the outside scoring was excellent, Mobley had the most noteworthy bucket of the half, dunking over Antetokounmpo after Garland snuck him a ball on the baseline.
