"Cavaliers Dominate Cup Champions Bucks in NBA Recap"
Donovan Mitchell tallied 27 points to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 124-101 victory over the Bucks at home on Friday, quickly bringing Milwaukee down from their NBA Cup championship high.
Five other Cavs players scored in double digits, with Darius Garland contributing 16 points and Evan Mobley and Dean Wade each adding 15. Ty Jerome had 13 points, while Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points and 14 rebounds. Star player Damian Lillard did not travel with the team due to a right calf strain. Khris Middleton scored 14 points off the bench, and Brook Lopez chipped in 10 points.
The Cavaliers have now won three consecutive games and seven of their last eight. The Bucks' three-game winning streak came to an end, although their 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday does not count towards their regular season record.
Thunder 104, Heat 97
Jalen Williams had a season-high 33 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 25 as the Oklahoma City Thunder held off a fourth-quarter rally to defeat the Miami Heat on the road.
Luguentz Dort contributed 14 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein matched his season high with 18 rebounds and also scored 13 points for the Thunder, who have now won seven consecutive official games. Their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday does not count towards their record in the league.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 28 points and a season-high 12 rebounds. Bam Adebayo had 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson and Dru Smith each added 13 points. Heat star Jimmy Butler left the game in the first quarter due to illness and did not return.
76ers 108, Hornets 98
Joel Embiid scored 12 of his game-high 34 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a home victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. each made four 3-pointers and contributed 23 and 22 points, respectively, for the 76ers, who defeated the Hornets for the second time this week. Embiid, who missed Monday's game due to a sinus fracture, wore a protective mask during the game.
Vasilije Micic had a season-high 20 points for the Hornets, who have now lost 12 of their last 13 games. Charlotte played without LaMelo Ball (calf) and Brandon Miller (ankle).
