NBA: The Bucks survive a late-game surge from the Cavs to grab the win
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The Milwaukee Bucks welcomed back their best player into the lineup Monday night and celebrated with a big home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bucks beat the Cavs 112-104 for their second-straight win and 10th victory in the last 11 games.
For Cleveland, Monday night’s loss was their second defeat in as many nights.
The Bucks had their superstar forward, two-time NBA MVP, and last year’s Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (27) returning to the lineup after he missed the last two games with a calf injury.
His presence certainly made the difference as the Bucks spent the first half slowly but surely gaining momentum, never trailing at any point in both the first and second quarters.
They stayed in control during the third, still never letting the Cavs get ahead, and sat on a 10 point lead going into the fourth quarter.
Cleveland did apply some pressure, getting as close as three points early in the fourth, but their fire ran out midway through the quarter as Milwaukee pulled away for the win.
The player spotlight
Coming back into the fold after a short stint away, Giannis was back in the top spot for the Bucks.
Despite missing the last two games, he’s still scoring 27.6 points per game, third in the league behind Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant and the Warrior's Steph Curry.
He was among three Milwaukee starters that scored over 20 points in the game, powering their way past the Cavs.
Giannis finished the night with 9-for-19 shooting for 27 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists.
The big picture
After 25 games this season, the Bucks have a formidable 16-9 record and have finally settled into a groove, playing like true defending champs.
Giannis is up there with NBA's best again and has 14 double-doubles this year, playing at the usual form that earned him two regular-season MVPs and had the Bucks winning their first NBA title in 50 years.
As long as the team can stay healthy, the momentum that they’ve finally harnessed will keep them contending for the league’s top prize once more.
On Wednesday, the Bucks will travel to Miami to face the Heat while the Cavs head back home to run with the Bulls.
Cover photo: IMAGO/Agencia EFE