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But Mitchell wouldn’t have it. A stepback jumper here. A clutch basket there. He orchestrated a seven-point run that also featured a Lonzo Ball three-pointer and a tough De’Andre Hunter jumper. That sequence broke Milwaukee’s spirit just enough to give Cleveland the breathing room it needed. Giannis Goes Nuclear, But It’s Not Enough Let’s be real—Giannis Antetokounmpo was absolutely unstoppable. The Greek Freak dropped 40 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, looking every bit like the two-time MVP we know him to be. He kept the Bucks alive when they had no business being in this game, especially after trailing by 18 points midway through the third quarter. Milwaukee closed that third period on a blistering 21-5 run, cutting what was an 81-63 deficit down to something manageable. AJ Green added 20 points off the bench, and Ryan Rollins chipped in 14 points and eight assists. The effort was there. The firepower was there. But facing a determined Cleveland Cavaliers squad on their home floor? That’s a tall order, even for Giannis. Supporting Cast Steps Up for Cleveland Cavaliers This wasn’t a two-man show for Cleveland. Sam Merrill knocked down 17 points, providing the kind of outside shooting that keeps defenses honest. De’Andre Hunter added 16, including that pivotal 14-footer during the decisive fourth-quarter run. The Cleveland Cavaliers shot 44.8% from the field and connected on 12 three-pointers. More importantly, they dominated the glass with 58 total rebounds compared to Milwaukee’s 44. That kind of effort on the boards doesn’t show up in highlight reels, but it absolutely shows up on the scoreboard. What This Win Means for the Cleveland Cavaliers Opening night wins hit different. They set the tone. They build confidence. They remind everyone in the locker room what they’re capable of when things get tough. The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t panic when Milwaukee tied it up. They didn’t fold when Giannis went into beast mode. Instead, they leaned on their two emerging stars—Mitchell and Mobley—and found a way to grind out a victory that felt earned, not given. Milwaukee was missing some key pieces with Kyle Kuzma, Cole Anthony, and Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined, but that doesn’t diminish what Cleveland accomplished. Good teams take care of business regardless of who’s on the other side. As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to head to Detroit on Monday night, they’ll carry this momentum with them. This wasn’t just a win. It was a reminder that this team has the talent, the grit, and the mental toughness to compete with anyone in the Eastern Conference. And on a night when Evan Mobley joined LeBron James in the history books? That feels like a pretty good sign of things to come.
