Cavaliers Destroy the Bucks 135-95: Game Recap 1/17/24

Post-Game Recap

3 Key Factors Around the Victory

1 – Georges Niang

There are moments this year when we, as Cavs fans, have been frustrated with Georges Niang; tonight was not that night.  Niange was en fuego, scoring 13 for 14 from the floor and scoring a team-high 33 points.

2 – Starters Dominate

The Cleveland starters dominated the Bucks on this night, with all five starters at least 33 or more in the plus/minus category. 

3 – Fast Break!

The Cavaliers dominated the fast break points 33 to 8, and inside, Cleveland flexed their muscles, scoring 74 to 42 in points in the paint.

Game Summary

Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 135-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, capitalizing on the absence of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a bruised right shoulder. Antetokounmpo’s first-time absence in 29 games didn’t bode well for the Bucks as they struggled without his presence and Mitchell’s 31 points fueled the Cavaliers’ season-best six-game winning streak.

Georges Niang shone with a career-high 33 points, making 13 of 14 shots, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Despite injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers have excelled, holding an 11-3 record since the setbacks.

The Bucks failed to mount a comeback, with Damian Lillard leading them with 17 points on 7 of 20 shooting. Khris Middleton struggled, scoring only two points on a 1-of-10 shooting performance. The Cavaliers dominated from the start, establishing a 20-point lead within the first six minutes and extending it to a 40-point margin in the third quarter.

Cleveland’s resilience in the face of injuries has defied expectations, positioning them among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The game marked the beginning of a three-game series between the Bucks and Cavaliers, with subsequent matchups scheduled for January 24 and January 26 in Milwaukee. Mitchell’s early contributions, Niang’s stellar performance, and the overall team effort showcased the Cavaliers’ strength and depth.

Up Next

At Atlanta Hawks on Friday.