Cavs Edge Bucks in Road Test as Harden Steers Offense The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 123-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a challenging road matchup, with James Harden playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to the win. Despite defensive struggles and inconsistent performances from key players, the Cavs managed to overcome the Bucks, who ranked 21st in offensive efficiency and lacked the star power of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Cavaliers’ perimeter defense remained a glaring weakness, as highlighted by the analysis of their struggles to contain the Bucks’ offensive threats. Cleveland’s inability to guard against three-point shooting proved costly, with opponents shooting the third-best percentage from beyond the arc against them. The issue wasn’t just bad luck, as the team failed to contest shots or recover to disrupt the Bucks’ rhythm. This trend has persisted across multiple games, including recent matchups against the Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic, raising concerns about the team’s defensive approach. Donovan Mitchell’s performance was another area of concern. While the point guard has had a standout season, his efficiency dipped significantly in this game. Mitchell shot 4-for-14 from the field, with several questionable decisions on offense. His tendency to take unnecessary shots, especially when struggling, disrupted the team’s flow. Analysts noted that Mitchell’s decision-making and playmaking have been inconsistent in recent games, possibly due to adjustments in the offense with Harden’s arrival. The lack of seamless chemistry between the two stars has also impacted the team’s overall effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the Cavaliers found ways to win, with several players stepping up in critical moments.#milwaukee_bucks #donovan_mitchell #cleveland_cavaliers #evan_mobley #james_harden
Cavaliers Edge Bucks in High-Octane Battle The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 123-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, marking a strong start to their three-game road trip. The game, played in Milwaukee, featured a tightly contested matchup with 11 ties and 16 lead changes, ultimately decided by a decisive run from the Cavaliers in the fourth quarter. Evan Mobley led the way for Cleveland with 27 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, while James Harden added 27 points to bolster the team’s offensive output. The Bucks, missing key players due to injuries, struggled to match the Cavaliers’ energy. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s two-time MVP, sat out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, marking his 32nd game missed this season. Myles Turner also missed the contest due to a right calf strain, leaving Milwaukee without two of its primary contributors. Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen was sidelined for a sixth consecutive game due to right knee tendinitis, further complicating the Bucks’ depth. The game’s momentum shifted in the fourth quarter when Cleveland took a commanding lead. After trailing by three points early in the period, the Cavaliers launched an 8-0 run, starting with a 3-pointer from Sam Merrill. This surge extended their advantage to 103-100 with 6:55 remaining. Despite Milwaukee’s efforts to claw back, the Bucks could only narrow the gap to 110-106 on a 3-pointer from Ousmane Dieng with 3:39 left. Cleveland responded with a seven-point scoring burst, ensuring the lead remained intact for the remainder of the game. Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. was the team’s top performer, finishing with 25 points and 10 assists. Dieng, Bobby Portis, and Ryan Rollins each contributed 19 points, but their efforts couldn’t offset the Cavaliers’ dominance in key areas.#milwaukee_bucks #cleveland_cavaliers #giannis_antetokounmpo #evan_mobley #james_harden
Cavaliers Dominate 76ers in 115-101 Victory Cleveland Cavaliers secured a decisive 115-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, March 10, 2026, in a game marked by James Harden’s milestone achievement and the Cavaliers’ strong home performance. Harden, playing for the 76ers, reached 29,017 career points with a free throw in the first quarter, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to surpass 29,000 points. The 35-year-old guard finished with 21 points, while Keon Ellis contributed 19 off the bench. Donovan Mitchell added 17 points and six assists, and Evan Mobley recorded 15 points and eight rebounds for Cleveland. The Cavaliers’ balanced attack helped them extend their lead to 84-59 in the third quarter, sealing their fourth straight win over Philadelphia. The 76ers, missing their top four scorers—Tyrese Maxey (right finger sprain), Joel Embiid (right oblique strain), Paul George (suspension), and VJ Edgecombe (lumbar contusion)—struggled to contain Cleveland’s offense. Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes scored 17 points, and Cameron Payne added 12, but the team’s struggles continued as they dropped their fourth straight game. The 76ers, now in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, fell to 11-25 on the season. Cleveland, meanwhile, improved to 8-1 at home since January 23, with their only loss coming to Boston in a close contest. The Cavaliers’ 18-6 record in their last 24 games has solidified their position in the Eastern Conference standings, keeping them one game behind New York for the fourth seed. The Cavaliers’ bench, led by Ellis, played a crucial role in the victory. Ellis scored 14 points in the first half, hitting four 3-pointers and helping Cleveland build a 19-18 lead early. The team’s dominance continued into the second half, as they outscored the 76ers 56-44 in the first half.#donovan_mitchell #cleveland_cavaliers #philadelphia_76ers #keon_ellis #evan_mobley
