Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass between Jarrett Allen (31) of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Craig Porter (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 (AP Photo/Phil Long)
CLEVELAND — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points and 16 rebounds, Damian Lillard scored 24 of his 31 points in the second half and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 in NBA action Friday night.
Antetokounmpo and Lillard each scored 14 points in a crucial third quarter when Milwaukee outscored Cleveland 40-21 to erase a 15-point deficit and take the lead for good. The Bucks have the third-best record in the NBA at 24-8.
“When you put your two best players with the basketball, you’re going to get good results,” Antetokounmpo said. “If you want to double Dame, then I will be open to playing or passing the ball to my teammates.”
Donovan Mitchell had 34 points, six rebounds and nine assists for Cleveland after missing four games due to illness. Jarrett Allen scored a career-high 30 points on 15-of-17 shooting and had 12 rebounds and six assists.
Great victory to close out 2023. See you in 2024! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/nC2PGSSPzS
– Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 30, 2023
Malik Beasley scored 15 points on five 3-pointers and Khris Middleton had 13 points and 11 assists for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez added nine points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots.
“I thought we were able to break them down inside and out tonight,” said Lillard, who was 11 of 11 from the foul line, all in the second half. “Our team is growing and we are establishing ourselves. I think that shows in this type of match.
Cleveland fell to 5-2 since learning power forward Evan Mobley (left knee surgery) and point guard Darius Garland (broken jaw) would be out until February. Undrafted rookie Craig Porter Jr. scored 14 points playing nine minutes in the fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers shot a season-low 14% from 3-point range, missing 37 of 43 attempts. Caris LeVert and Georges Niang each scored 0 out of 6.
“It was a big point to protect the 3-point line because they played really good ball,” Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin said.
The Bucks, who were 3-1 on a four-game road trip, will play just one home game during an eight-game series that ends Jan. 6 at Houston. Key offseason acquisition Lillard has an average of 26.3 points over the last six competitions.
“Dame is also a guy who can single-handedly take over a game,” Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said. “You can’t stop him and Giannis, so you have to figure out how to balance your defense. It’s a challenge.”
Allen made his first nine shots and scored 18 points in the first half, helping Cleveland take a 59-53 lead going into the break. Antetokounmpo had 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in 19 minutes.
“Man, he’s tough to guard,” Antetokounmpo said of Allen. “His stats have improved so much. When a big guy like him is doing jump shots and throwing hooks at you, there’s really nothing you can do to stop him.
Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam co-own the Bucks.
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Bucks: Host Indiana on Monday night.
Cavaliers: Visit Toronto Monday night.
