The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 124-101 to extend their league-best record to 24-4. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 27 points, while Darius Garland added 16 in a game where the Cavs led by as many as 36 points. Cleveland’s dominance was bolstered by the return of Max Strus, who made his season debut after recovering from hip and ankle injuries. Strus contributed nine points, including three of the Cavaliers’ 20 three-pointers.
Key Performers
| Cavaliers | Stats |
|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | 27 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast |
| Darius Garland | 16 pts, 7 ast |
| Max Strus | 9 pts, 3 three-pointers |
Milwaukee, playing without Damian Lillard, struggled offensively, with starting guards Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green combining for 0-for-9 from the field.
| Bucks | Stats |
|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 33 pts, 14 reb, 3 steals |
| Khris Middleton | 14 pts (off the bench) |
Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell praised the team’s all-around effort:
“We did it on both ends of the floor. We set the tone offensively and defensively.”
Joel Embiid Leads Sixers Past Hornets
Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid returned from injury wearing a protective mask and scored 34 points in a 108-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Embiid added nine assists, five rebounds, and two blocks in just his seventh game of the season.
Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 23 and 22 points, respectively, helping the Sixers to their fourth win in five games as they aim to climb into play-in contention.
Key Stats:
- Joel Embiid: 34 pts, 9 ast, 5 reb, 2 blk
- Tyrese Maxey: 23 pts, 6 reb
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: 22 pts
Thunder Edge Heat Without Butler
The Oklahoma City Thunder rebounded from their NBA Cup final loss with a 104-97 victory over the Miami Heat. Jalen Williams shone with 33 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 in OKC’s second consecutive win.
The Heat missed Jimmy Butler, who left the game in the first quarter due to illness. Tyler Herro kept Miami competitive with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds despite requiring stitches after an accidental elbow.
Key Stats:
- Thunder:
- Jalen Williams: 33 pts, 5 reb
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 25 pts, 8 reb
- Heat:
- Tyler Herro: 28 pts, 12 reb
- Bam Adebayo: 17 pts, 10 reb
Other Highlights from Friday’s NBA Action
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Improved to 15-1 at home, showcasing their dominance in the league.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Struggled to find rhythm post-NBA Cup victory.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Continued to rely on Joel Embiid’s leadership to steady their season.
The night showcased standout performances and resilience as teams adjusted to injuries and fatigue in a packed December schedule.
