Garland’s Stellar Performance Propels Cavaliers to Eighth Consecutive Win

In an exhilarating display of basketball prowess, Darius Garland posted a career-high 39 points, while Evan Mobley contributed an additional 17, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their eighth consecutive victory. This impressive 116-114 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks, who were missing their key player Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injury, took place Monday evening. The Cavaliers made history by replicating their 8-0 record from 1976.

Late-Game Rally Secures Victory for the Cavs

With just 45 seconds on the clock, Garland sunk a pivotal 3-pointer, sparking a late-game rally that saw the Cavaliers outscore the Bucks 18-8 in the last 6:06 of play. Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen chipped in with an impressive double-double, scoring 14 points and securing 15 rebounds, alongside a critical block on the Bucks’ Damian Lillard in the closing moments.

Despite Lillard’s remarkable 36-point performance, his late-game turnover due to an over-and-back violation, with 56 seconds remaining, proved costly for the Bucks. Bobby Portis further bolstered the Bucks’ effort with a 21-point, 18-rebound double-double. However, it was not enough to prevent Milwaukee from suffering their sixth consecutive defeat.

Cavaliers Outperform Bucks in Back-to-Back Contests

This gripping encounter with the Bucks marked the Cavaliers’ second triumph over Milwaukee in a span of three days. In the previous meeting, a last-second jumper from Donovan Mitchell gifted the Cavs a nail-biting 114-113 victory. Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ two-time MVP, remained sidelined due to a strained adductor muscle, an injury incurred during their recent loss to Cleveland.

Key Takeaways from the Game

The Bucks demonstrated considerable resilience, putting forth a strong performance, despite the absence of Antetokounmpo who averages 31 points per game. Having to contend with five out of seven games on the road, the schedule has not been kind to Milwaukee.

The Cavaliers, on the other hand, provided another valuable lesson about not underestimating any opponent. They managed to secure the win without the usual high-scoring contribution from Mitchell, who only added one point after the first quarter, ending the game with 14 points.

Game Highlights

One of the key moments of the match was Mobley’s seven-second showcase of skill in the second quarter. The 7-foot tall rookie denied a layup with a phenomenal block, snagged the rebound, and then took the ball the full length of the court to deliver a thunderous dunk, sparking a 10-2 run for the Cavs.

A Remarkable Stat

This winning streak has seen the Cavaliers become only the second team in NBA history to start 7-0, with no single player averaging more than 30 minutes per game. The Seattle Supersonics achieved this feat in 1978.

What’s Next for the Teams?

The Bucks will look to rebound from their losing streak as they host the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while the Cavaliers will aim to extend their winning streak on Wednesday when they face off against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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