MILWAUKEE — The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken control of Saturday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, building a 72-46 lead at halftime at Fiserv Forum. Cleveland trailed 25-24 after the opening period but has outscored Milwaukee 48-21 in the second quarter through the latest reported play.
Meleek Thomas helped get the Cavaliers going with a pair of early three-pointers, while Donovan Mitchell added three free throws and a three-pointer as Cleveland moved ahead 39-31. Evan Mobley was also a factor in the turnaround, scoring repeatedly around the basket and adding a three-pointer midway through the quarter.
Cleveland continued to pour it on with contributions from Tyrese Proctor, Craig Porter Jr., and Peyton Watson. Proctor knocked down a three-pointer, while Watson contributed five points during the quarter and helped create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Jarrett Allen was big-time over the final minutes, scoring on an alley-oop dunk, another dunk, and a running layup as Cleveland extended its lead. James Harden assisted on baskets by Allen and Watson, helping the Cavaliers keep their offense moving.
Milwaukee struggled to keep pace, missing several opportunities around the basket and from three-point range. Cleveland also forced turnovers that led to scoring chances, turning a closely contested first quarter into a commanding advantage at halftime.
