Bucks Hold Off Cavaliers Amidst Injury Concerns for Harden, Mitchell, and Antetokounmpo

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 on Wednesday night, securing their fifth win in six games. The game was played with several key players sidelined due to injury, including James Harden and Donovan Mitchell for the Cavaliers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Bucks.

Game Recap

The contest came down to the wire, with a potential game-tying basket by Jarrett Allen at the buzzer ruled to have occurred after time expired. Allen finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. Led the Bucks with 20 points, while Ryan Rollins added 18.

Injury Updates

James Harden sat out the game after suffering a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx in his right thumb during Tuesday night’s 109-94 win over the New York Knicks [AP News]. Donovan Mitchell also missed the game with a right groin strain, and Evan Mobley was inactive due to left calf injury management [ClutchPoints]. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his absence for the Bucks, missing his 13th consecutive game with a strained right calf [ClutchPoints].

Key Performances

Dennis Schroder, recently acquired from Sacramento, contributed 26 points for the Cavaliers, his highest total in nine games with the team. Jaylon Tyson added two free throws late in the game to pull the Cavaliers within two points.

Standings Implications

With the loss, the Cavaliers dropped to fourth place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the New York Knicks. The Bucks’ win strengthens their position in the East.

Looking Ahead

The Cavaliers will travel to Detroit to face the Pistons on Friday night. The Bucks will host the New York Knicks on Friday night.