The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-102, at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday evening.
The Bucks (19-9) were looking to right the ship after a 16-point loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Milwaukee got off to a good start in that regard by taking a 27-16 first-quarter lead, which they'd extended to a 61-47 by halftime. That allowed them to essentially tread water in the second half and secure a double-digit win, despite missing both Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) and Khris Middleton (finger).
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee with 44 points, a total he supplemented with 14 rebounds and eight assists. Brook Lopez provided 19 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe went for 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and one block. Ersan Ilyasova led the bench with 11 points and added four rebounds.
Jordan Clarkson paced the Cavaliers with 23 points and added five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Rodney Hood poured in 19 points. Larry Nance, Jr. produced a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists, three steals and one block. Alec Burks managed 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Matthew Dellavedova had 10 points off the bench.
The Bucks will next visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Cavaliers remain home to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon.
