MILWAUKEE — The Cleveland Cavaliers turned a close game into a blowout Saturday night, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 136-111 at Fiserv Forum. Cleveland scored 48 points in the second quarter to take control and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the second half.
Milwaukee held a 25-24 advantage after the opening quarter, but the Cavaliers quickly changed the direction of the game. Meleek Thomas knocked down a pair of early three-pointers, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley helped Cleveland move ahead 39-31 with just over nine minutes remaining before halftime.
Mobley continued attacking the basket and added a three-pointer midway through the second quarter. Tyrese Proctor, Peyton Watson, and Craig Porter Jr. also contributed as Cleveland steadily extended its advantage.
Jarrett Allen came up big during the final minutes of the half, scoring on an alley-oop dunk, another dunk, and a running layup. James Harden helped create opportunities for his teammates, including assists on baskets by Allen and Watson.
By halftime, Cleveland had outscored Milwaukee 48-21 in the second quarter and built a 72-46 lead. The Cavaliers had gone from trailing by one point to leading by 26 in just 12 minutes.
Cleveland continued adding to its lead after the break. Mobley connected on two three-pointers during the third quarter, while Harden and Mario Hezonja also scored from beyond the arc.
The Cavaliers scored another 37 points in the third quarter, taking a 109-76 advantage into the fourth. With a 33-point lead, Cleveland was able to give its reserves extended playing time while resting several of its starters.
Thomas Bryant made three three-pointers during the final quarter, while Proctor added two more as Cleveland pushed its total to 136 points. Milwaukee scored 35 points in the fourth, but the Cavaliers' lead was never seriously threatened.
The victory was a strong response to Cleveland's 114-111 loss at Atlanta on Thursday. The Cavaliers received contributions throughout their lineup, with their dominant second quarter putting the game out of reach well before the final buzzer.
What's Next
Cleveland returns home Monday, November 2, to face the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
