Donovan Mitchell, who scored 34 points in his comeback to the starting lineup, was matched by Antetokounmpo. But the Cavs had a terrible third quarter and lost a 15-point lead.

Cleveland — The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 on Friday night. Damian Lillard scored 24 of his 31 points in the second half, while Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 34 points and 16 rebounds.

In the crucial third quarter, Milwaukee overcame Cleveland 40-21 to overcome a 15-point deficit and seize the lead thanks to 14 points apiece from Antetokounmpo and Lillard. With a 24-8 record, the Bucks are tied for third place in the NBA.

“When you put the basketball in the hands of your two best players, you’re going to get good results,” Antetokounmpo stated. “If you want to double-team Dame, then I’m going to be open to make a play or get the ball to my teammates.”

After missing four games due to illness, Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 34 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. With 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and a career-high 30 points on 15 of 17 shots, Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double.

For Milwaukee, Khris Middleton had 13 points and a season-high 11 assists, while Malik Beasley scored 15 points on five 3-pointers. Nine points, ten rebounds, and six blocked shots were contributed by Brook Lopez.

Lillard, who shot 11 of 11 from the foul line in the second half, said, “I thought we were able to break them down inside-out tonight.” “We are forging ahead as a team and expanding. This kind of game, I believe, demonstrates that.”

After finding that point guard Darius Garland (fractured jaw) and power forward Evan Mobley (left knee surgery) would be out until February, Cleveland dropped to 5-2. Craig Porter Jr., an undrafted rookie who played nine minutes in the fourth quarter, scored fourteen points.

The Cavaliers missed 37 of 43 3-point tries for a season-low 14% shooting percentage. Georges Niang and Caris LeVert each completed 0 of 6 shots.

Milwaukee coach Adrian Gryphon stated, “They’ve been playing some really good ball, so it was a big point of emphasis to protect the 3-point line.”

The Bucks, who finished 3-1 on a four-game trip, will have only one home game in their upcoming eight-game stretch, which concludes in Houston on January 6. Lillard, a significant offseason acquisition, has averaged 26.3 points in the previous six games.

Dame is a player who have the ability to dominate a game on his own, according to Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “You need to figure out how to balance your defence because you can’t stop Giannis and him. It presents a challenge.

In the first half, Allen made his first nine shots and scored eighteen points, giving Cleveland a 59-53 lead at the intermission. In 19 minutes, Antetokounmpo finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Man, Allen is hard to guard, Antetokounmpo remarked. “His numbers are really lot better now. There isn’t really anything you can do to stop a huge man like that from making jump shots and shooting those hooks over you.”

The Bucks are co-owned by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, owners of the Cleveland Browns.