KEY POINTS
- The Milwaukee Bucks escaped with a narrow victory after a potential game-tying basket by Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen was ruled after the buzzer.
- Cleveland played without three major stars: James Harden (thumb), Donovan Mitchell (groin), and Evan Mobley (calf).
- Kevin Porter Jr. secured the win for Milwaukee with a clutch fadeaway jumper with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock.
In a game that came down to literal milliseconds, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to secure a 118-116 victory over a resilient but injury-depleted Cleveland Cavaliers squad on Wednesday night. The drama peaked at the final buzzer when Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen appeared to tie the game with a tip-in. However, after a tense video review by officials, it was determined that the ball left his hands just after the clock expired, handing Milwaukee their fifth win in six games.
The Cavaliers entered the contest facing significant roster challenges. They were missing superstar James Harden, who suffered a fractured thumb in their previous game, alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Despite these absences, Cleveland remained competitive throughout, led by Jarrett Allen’s dominant 27-point and 11-rebound performance. Dennis Schröder, a recent acquisition for the Cavs, added 26 points, keeping the game within reach until the final possession.
Milwaukee’s victory was a testament to their offensive depth. Seven different Bucks players scored in double figures, providing a balanced attack that offset the continued absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his 13th consecutive game with a calf strain. Kevin Porter Jr. led the way for the home team with 20 points, including the decisive mid-range jumper that put the Bucks ahead for good in the closing seconds. Ryan Rollins also provided a significant spark off the bench with 18 points.
The second half was a game of significant momentum swings. The Bucks opened the third quarter with a blistering 11-0 run, fueled by back-to-back three-pointers from Kyle Kuzma, to build a 10-point lead. However, the Cavaliers responded with a 10-0 run of their own, erasing the deficit and setting up a seesaw battle in the fourth quarter. Neither team could pull away, as the lead changed hands multiple times in the final minutes.
With the win, Milwaukee (26-31) continues their push to climb the Eastern Conference standings, while Cleveland (37-23) drops into fourth place, a half-game behind the New York Knicks. The result also snapped a seven-game head-to-head winning streak for Cleveland over Milwaukee. Both teams will have little time to rest, as they return to action on Friday night, with Milwaukee hosting the Knicks and Cleveland traveling to Detroit.
