Mitchell’s magic: Cavaliers drown Bucks to stay perfect

Released: 03/11/2024 – 04:40Changed: 03/11/2024 – 04:39

2 min

The Bucks appeared poised to earn just their second win of the season behind Damian Lillard’s 41-point performance, which gave his team a 113-112 lead after draining a jumper with 10 seconds left.

But Mitchell skilfully ran through the final few seconds before nervously lowering the final bucket and leaving the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee in stunned silence.

There was still time for Lillard’s last shot attempt, but the Bucks star’s shot bounced off the backboard, leaving Cleveland sitting with a perfect 7-0 record atop the Eastern Conference.

Mitchell, who finished with 30 points, four assists and three rebounds, recorded his game-winning rebound shot that secured possession minutes earlier by teammate Isaac Okoro.

“It’s not the shot, it’s the rebound of Isaac Okoro,” Mitchell said. “That’s the whole point. I did my job, Isaac did his job, we all did our job.

“This is a big victory. They played their part. As a group, we just keep fighting and scratching.”

All-around, six Cavaliers players posted double figures in a see-saw contest that featured 19 lead changes.

Sam Merrill turned heads with 17 points off the bench for Cleveland, hitting five 3-pointers, while Jarrett Allen scored 15 points with 12 rebounds.

The Bucks were left to reflect on another uneven performance that left them one spot off the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 1-5.

Lillard, who scored just four points in Thursday’s blowout loss to Memphis, bounced back brilliantly, hitting 10 of 15 shots from beyond the arc for the Bucks.

“I’ve been in the league 13 years and I’ve had some tough nights and ups and downs, both individually and as a team,” Lillard said.

“The only way to get out of there is to go back to work, keep your mind clear and try not to think about it too much.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo also impressed in Milwaukee’s loss, posting 34 points and 16 rebounds.

Tatum is on fire with the Celtics

In other games, Jayson Tatum’s 29 points helped NBA champion Boston defeat the Charlotte Hornets for the second straight night as the Celtics won 113-103.

Boston led nearly the entire game, winning by 10 points at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

Payton Pritchard again shined off the bench for Boston, hitting six 3-pointers in a 22-point performance. Luke Cornet added 19 points and Derrick White finished with 18.

Tatum’s performance under Charlotte’s stifling pressure earned praise from Boston coach Joe Mazulla.

“They doubled him and he made the right play every time,” Mazulla said of Tatum. “I think he played a great game.

“I thought he had tremendous composure throughout the game and understanding of how the defense was protecting him.”

In Philadelphia, the 76ers’ poor start to the season continued in the absence of injured duo Joel Embiid and Paul George, as Memphis cruised to a 123-107 win.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 27 points, Ja Morant added 18 points and 12 assists as Memphis improved to 4-3.

The San Antonio Spurs improved to 3-3 after a 113-103 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the in-form Golden State Warriors improved to 5-1 after losing to the Houston Rockets. by a score of 127–121.

© 2024 AFP