MILWAUKEE — When the Cleveland Cavaliers are moving the basketball, getting contributions throughout their lineup, and finding open shots, they can be one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA to defend. Saturday night's 136-111 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks provided an excellent example of just how effective their offense can be.
Cleveland finished with 41 assists on 52 made field goals, shot 52 percent from the floor, and connected on 20 three-pointers. Nearly 79 percent of the Cavaliers' baskets came off assists, illustrating how well they share the basketball rather than relying on individual players to create offense.
The Cavaliers put in work during the second quarter, scoring 48 points to turn a 25-24 deficit into a commanding 72-46 halftime lead. Cleveland made 18 of its 22 field goal attempts during the period, including six of eight from three-point range, while recording 15 assists on those 18 baskets.
It was the kind of offensive that is almost impossible to defend. When Cleveland moves the ball that effectively, opponents must account for multiple scoring threats rather than concentrating their attention on Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell finished with just 15 points, but that wasn't because he struggled offensively. He made five of his seven field goal attempts and connected on two three-pointers. Cleveland simply didn't need him to shoulder the scoring load, which is an encouraging development for a team with several capable offensive players.
Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting, while Jarrett Allen added 25 points and 11 rebounds. The two combined to make 23 of their 32 shots, giving Cleveland an overwhelming advantage around the basket while also benefiting from the team's perimeter shooting.
James Harden contributed 13 points and seven assists, providing another experienced playmaker capable of running the offense. Cleveland's reserves also played an important role, combining for 51 points as the Cavaliers maintained their advantage throughout the second half.
Of course, Milwaukee entered Saturday's contest struggling, and one outstanding offensive performance doesn't guarantee similar results against better teams. The Cavaliers will need to show they can maintain that level of execution when defenses apply more pressure and scoring become harder to find.
Still, Cleveland's performance offered an encouraging look at what this offense can be. The Cavaliers didn't need a spectacular scoring night from Mitchell or an individual player to take over the game. They simply moved the basketball, found the open man, and knocked down shots.
Exactly how a good offense operates.
