Donovan Mitchell's 27 points lead Cavaliers to blowout over Bucks

In the United States, on December 20, 2024, the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved a dominant victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 124-101 at home. This match marked the Cavs' impressive record of 15-1 at home and improved their overall season standing to 24-4, maintaining their position as the best team in the league. Donovan Mitchell played a crucial role in this success, scoring 27 points alongside teammate Darius Garland, who added 16 points. The Bucks were missing their All-Star guard Damian Lillard due to an injury, which likely impacted their performance throughout the game. The Cavaliers showcased their ability to excel even against strong competition, having previously defeated the Bucks two times this season, now moving to a 3-0 record against them. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points and 14 rebounds but could not ensure a win for his team. Cleveland's offense was particularly sharp, hitting 20 three-pointers during the game. The lack of Lillard's scoring power further strained the Bucks’ offensive capabilities, as their new starting guards struggled to make an impact, going a combined 0 for 9 in shooting. Max Strus also made his season debut for Cleveland, contributing nine points, and his performance added to the Cavaliers' overall depth. This decisive win not only reflected Cleveland's strong performance for the season but also highlighted the chemistry and cohesiveness of the team under the leadership of Mitchell, who has transitioned into a more experienced role since joining the Cavs. Mitchell, as noted, has embraced a smaller workload this season, allowing others on the team to thrive while still performing at an All-NBA level himself. With this victory, the Cavaliers cement their position as strong contenders this season, showcasing their potential for a deep playoff run. The Bucks, coming off an NBA Cup win, will need to regroup quickly given their recent struggles. Coach Doc Rivers commented on the challenging turnaround time after winning the tournament and moving back to regular season play.