CLEVELAND, OH -- Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks came into Cleveland on Friday night with the second best record in the NBA. The Bucks overwhelmed a young Cavaliers team in the first half, lighting it up on offense and swarming the ball on the defensive end of the floor, jumping out to a 22-point lead. The Cleveland Cavaliers made a few important adjustments at the half and came out an entirely new team for the final two quarters. The Cavs had ten assists and one turnover, as well as ten three pointers in the third quarter. Coach Beilein's Cavaliers cut the Bucks lead down to three before reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo took over the game, leading the visiting Milwaukee Bucks past the Cavaliers by the final score of 119-110.
The Milwaukee Bucks looked to their superstar to close out a close game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo answered the bell. The Greek Freak lead all scorers with 33 points, shooting an efficient 14/26 from the field, pulling in 12 boards. The Bucks ability to shoot the three took the pressure off of Giannis for most of the game, before going cold and letting the Cavaliers back into the game. Milwaukee shot 12/34 from beyond the arc.
Tristan Thompson grabbed his 5000th career rebound, an incredible milestone for the longtime Cavalier. Collin Sexton, who has been relied upon to produce points, netted double digit points for the 42nd consecutive game. The Young Bull got off to a sluggish start but was able to find his rhythm, finishing the game with 16 points. Rookie point guard Darius Garland is beginning to find his three point stroke, knocking down 5 out of 7 three balls against a strong Bucks defense, and lead all Cavaliers in points with 21 total. The most impressive performance of the night was that of Larry Nance Jr, who provided 26 minutes of good efficient basketball. Nance dropped 18 points and pulled in 9 rebounds from the bench.
The Cavaliers will look to snap a 3-game losing skid against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, December 3rd. Tip-off on Tuesday is set for 7:00 pm ET at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from Friday night's game below!