Cavaliers Eye Historic Start After Narrow Victory Over Bucks
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their impressive streak, marching to a 7-0 start to the NBA season following a nail-biting 114-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win not only keeps their unbeaten record intact but also brings them within striking distance of the franchise's best start, an 8-0 run set during the 1976-1977 season.
The matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks was a thrilling contest until the final whistle. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell delivered a powerful performance, scoring 30 points, which were crucial in sealing the one-point triumph. Mitchell's contributions included four assists and three rebounds, underscoring his pivotal role in the Cavaliers' unbeaten streak this season.
Mitchell's overall statistics for the season reflect his consistent excellence. He's averaging 24.4 points, with an impressive field goal efficiency of 50% and a remarkable 40% from beyond the arc. His performance from the free-throw line is solid as well, standing at 79.2%.
The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, are facing a challenging start to their season. The game against the Cavaliers marked their fifth consecutive defeat, leaving them with a dismal 1-5 record. Last season, the Bucks finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record, making their current situation even more surprising and concerning.
Beyond the loss, Milwaukee had standout performances, especially from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The star forward posted 34 points and pulled down 16 rebounds against Cleveland, maintaining his own high standards with season averages of 31 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Antetokounmpo's potential absence from upcoming games due to an adductor strain could further complicate the Bucks' efforts to reverse their fortunes.
Looking ahead, the two teams are set to clash once more at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. With the game scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on whether the Cavaliers can extend their winning streak to match the historic 8-0 start from 1976-1977.
Despite the Bucks' struggles, they have historically held an edge over the Cavaliers in their all-time regular-season series, boasting a 132-102 lead. However, Cleveland has reversed the trend recently, winning three of their last four meetings against Milwaukee.
Cleveland’s Darius Garland also adds depth to the Cavaliers' roster. Averaging 17.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, Garland's presence is pivotal. His season-high 34 points against New York earlier in the year underscored his ability to impact games significantly.
Meanwhile, for the Cavaliers, Damian Lillard's dynamic performances have not gone unnoticed. This season, Lillard is averaging 26.2 points, 6.7 assists, and five rebounds per game, with shooting splits that include 44.2% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range. His standout game against the Cavaliers saw him notch a season-high 41 points, alongside nine assists and four rebounds, showcasing the firepower he brings to his team.
As the Cavaliers look ahead to the next game against Milwaukee, they are entering the contest as 7-point favorites. The over/under for the game's total points is set at 230.5, highlighting expectations of another closely-fought encounter.
The Cleveland faithful will be hoping the team’s current form can endure, etching this season into the annals of their franchise's storied history. As the Cavaliers chase a record-breaking start, the Bucks are tasked with regrouping to prevent their losing streak from extending further—a task that grows doubly challenging if Antetokounmpo's injury sidelines him.