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SOURCE SPORTS: Cavs Dominate Bucks, Extend East Lead with 124-101 Victory

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David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance Friday night, dismantling the Milwaukee Bucks 124-101 in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference clash. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive 33 points and 14 rebounds, the Cavs proved unstoppable, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 27 points and a balanced attack featuring six double-figure scorers.

Cleveland’s sharpshooting was on full display, hitting 50.5% from the field and 42.6% from beyond the arc. This marked their league-best 12th game with a 50/40 shooting split, cementing their position as the NBA’s most efficient offense. The starting five outscored Milwaukee’s lineup 83-48, with Darius Garland contributing 16 points.

The Cavs trailed for only 29 seconds before taking control with a 69-51 halftime lead. By the fourth quarter, their advantage swelled to 36 points. Mitchell credited the team’s relentless effort, saying, “Just a level of tenacity and hunger — not being satisfied with where we are.”

Now 24-4, the Cavs remain atop the NBA standings, matching their historic 2008-09 start. Cleveland continues to set the tone in the East with a 15-1 home record and a 3-0 season series lead over Milwaukee.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Bucks Crowned NBA Cup Champions, Antentokounmpo Wins MVP

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Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

On November 10, the Milwaukee Bucks were 2-8, enduring their worst start in a decade. They’re the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup champions and have etched their names in the history of the NBA.

In a dominant 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with a massive triple-double: 26 points, 19 rebounds, and ten assists. Damian Lillard added 23 points, including five three-pointers, as Milwaukee surged in the second half, outscoring OKC 46-31.

Antetokounmpo, already a two-time Kia NBA MVP and 2021 Finals MVP, earned NBA Cup MVP honors, cementing his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.

The Bucks were unstoppable throughout the in-season tournament, finishing a perfect 7-0. Their win also marked a historic turnaround: Milwaukee became the first NBA team to start 2-8 and then win 12 of their next 15 games.

The turning point came in the third quarter, where the Bucks outscored the Thunder 26-14, fueled by a 16-2 run that extended their lead to 20 points. Giannis dominated with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in the period, while Lillard added eight points to outscore OKC single-handedly.

Defensively, the Bucks shined, holding the Thunder to a season-low 81 points and a dismal 15.6% shooting from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Milwaukee thrived from deep, hitting 17-of-40 threes, outscoring OKC 51-15 from long range.

“To be the last team standing in this tournament, it feels great,” Lillard said postgame.

The Bucks now sit at 14-11 and look poised for an exciting rest of the season.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Shatters Records in Historic 59-Point Performance Against Pistons

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Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a historic performance on Wednesday night, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a thrilling 127-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons, all while his co-star, Damian Lillard, was sidelined. Standing at center court after the game, Giannis reiterated a message he’s been telling his team: “Don’t take moments for granted … When guys can’t play and your number is called, go out there for the team, play the right way, and good things will happen.”

Giannis did just that, delivering the highest-scoring performance of the season with 59 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks, overcoming an 18-point deficit and forcing overtime. His dominant display helped the Bucks secure the win, as he shot 21-of-34 (61.8%) from the field.

In doing so, Giannis made NBA history, becoming the first player since 1973-74 to record 59+ points, 14+ rebounds, 7+ assists, and 3+ blocks on at least 60% shooting. It was also a milestone in Bucks history, as Giannis surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most 50+ point, 10+ rebound games in franchise history, with nine. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor have more such performances.

The game showcased Giannis’ resilience and leadership. He scored 22 of the Bucks’ 24 first-quarter points and added 11 in overtime, single-handedly outscoring the Pistons 9-0 in the extra period, capped by a game-sealing slam. His unforgettable performance proved that Giannis is more than capable of carrying his team to victory when called upon.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Pacers Bench Ignites Series Win, Sends Bucks to Cancun

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Pacers Bench Ignites Series Win, Sends Bucks to Cancun

In a crucial Game 6 showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks, it was the Indiana Pacers’ bench unit that stole the spotlight and propelled them to victory. Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell emerged as the unlikely heroes, combining for a staggering 41 points off the bench to secure a resounding 120-98 win, clinching the series and advancing in the Playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Their remarkable performance etched their names in NBA history. They became only the third duo since 1970-71 to lead their team in a series-clinching win while coming off the bench. Joining esteemed company such as Dallas’ Jason Terry and JJ Barea and Toronto’s Norman Powell and Serge Ibaka, Toppin and McConnell showcased the depth and versatility of the Pacers’ roster.

Under the guidance of head coach Rick Carlisle, who boasts an impressive Playoff pedigree, the Pacers’ bench unit rose to the occasion when it mattered most. With contributions from Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers delivered a commanding performance in front of their home fans.

For McConnell, the series-clinching win was a redemption story, rebounding from a tough Game 5 outing with the best Playoff performance of his career. His resilience and determination epitomized the Pacers’ grit and determination throughout the series.

As the Pacers celebrate their hard-earned victory and look ahead to the next challenge in the Playoffs, their depth and resilience serve as a testament to the unpredictable nature of postseason basketball. With contributions from every corner of their roster, the Pacers are poised to make a formidable run as they continue their Playoff journey.

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Damian Lillard Open To Blazers Return

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Damian Lillard has revealed that he would be open to returning to the Portland Trail Blazers in the future. “Because of how I feel about Portland. How I feel about the organization here and my time that I spent here, in my mind I’ve always felt like that’s how my career would end. Right now, I’m just in a space of like, this is where I am now. I’m in Milwaukee. I wanted the opportunity to contend, and our team has an opportunity to contend for this year and years to come. And I’m just living in that. But I definitely, when I was traded, I see a day where I’ll be in a Trail Blazer uniform again before I’m done,” Lillard said. Lillard and the Bucks were playing their first game in Portland since acquiring Lillard in the biggest trade of the offseason.

However, despite giving Lillard a one-minute standing ovation when he was announced, the Blazers did not go easy on the Bucks. Lillard had 25 points but a last-second floater from Afernee Simmons sealed a 119-116 victory for the home team. The loss meant the Bucks have now lost three of their last four. It’s has not been an ideal start to the tenure of Doc Rivers, who was seen as a better championship coaching option to ousted first-year head coach Adrian Griffin.

Read More: Shaq Didn’t Know About Damian Lillard Involvement On “Shaq & Kobe”

Damian Lillard Respects Tyrese Haliburton’s “Dame Time” Celebration

Meanwhile, Lillard has had plenty to say while adjusting to life in the Eastern Conference. In December, he said he had no issue with the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton copping his signature “Dame Time” celebration. “I learned as a kid, when you dish it out, you’ve got to be willing to take it. For as many times as I’ve done it to people, I can’t be upset when somebody else does it. You know what I mean,” Lillard said.

“I think that’s also a sign of respect and acknowledgment for knowing my history and knowing what I do. I didn’t mind it. It was what it was. I’ve also known that, you know, when you are having your moment, it’s important to be careful. Be humble in your moments because you just never know how the tables are going to turn or when they are going to turn. I respected it. We shook hands after the game. I wasn’t moved by it left or right,” he continued.

Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo & Damian Lillard Will Have No Problem Sharing The Ball, Bucks Star Claims

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Bucks In High Spirits After Doc Rivers Hire, Stars Surprised By Coaching Change

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The Milwaukee Bucks appeared in high spirits ahead of their Wednesday night game against Cleveland. The team’s official social media account posted a pre-game video of the players joyfully dancing together on the court. This is in spite of the shock firing of first-year head coach Adrian Griffin earlier this week. Griffin was let go despite coaching the team to a 30-13 record, primarily over concerns about the team’s defensive efficiency.

In his place, the team hired Doc Rivers, poaching the veteran coach from ESPN. Rivers was the Bucks’ primary choice given his experience, availability, and history of coaching superstar tandems. Furthermore, Rivers has a strong history in Wisconsin. His jersey hangs in the rafters at Marquette University, where he was an All-American. Rivers’ first game with the team has not yet been confirmed.

Read More: Luka Doncic Gets Fan Ejected, Feuds With “ESPN” Reporter For Coverage Of It

Bucks Stars Surprised By Coaching Change But Embracing It

Meanwhile, the Bucks’ star players were understandably surprised by the sudden coaching change. “I’ve got to trust the front office, I’ve got to trust the ownership group that they consider the bigger picture. My job is to be the best version of myself, to lead this team out there and help win games. Their job is to create the best team possible and the best atmosphere around the team possible that they believe gives us a better chance to win a championship. But yeah, I do think [firing coach Griffin] was a surprise,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said after beating the Bucks.

Furthermore, Damian Lillard, whom Griffin acquired at the cost of defensive powerhouse Jrue Holliday, agreed with the sentiment. “There’s been a lot of expectations on our team. Things have been expected to look a certain way. We’ve had a bumpy road to our success, which is sometimes a part of the process. I was surprised. But it’s part of the game. People get traded, people get waived, people get fired, and that’s never something you want to see,” Lillard noted.

Read More: Draymond Green Missing From Initial Team USA Olympic Pool, Execs Explain Why

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SOURCE SPORTS: Doc Rivers Named Head Coach of Milwaukee Bucks

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SOURCE SPORTS: Doc Rivers Fired by Philadelphia 76ers

Doc Rivers is officially the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Rivers took the position less than 24 hours after the Bucks fired former coach Adrian Griffin.

Rivers comes to the Bucks literally off the sidelines, as he was calling games on ESPN with Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Rivers was picked due to his history with tandems, as the Bucks have Giannis Antentokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Most recently, Rivers coached Joel Embiid and James Harden for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Rivers was also an All-American guard for Marquette University, with his retired jersey already hanging in the Bucks’ home arena rafters.

“We wish Doc well and we look forward to documenting the next chapter of his coaching career. We have a deep roster of supremely talented commentators who will continue to serve NBA fans with tremendous skill, passion and expertise,” David Roberts, ESPN’s head of event and studio production, said in a statement.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo He Can’t Stop Thinking About Losing To The Pacers, Even During Sex

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Giannis Antetokounmpo made some hilarious comments after he was asked how he felt about 40% of the Bucks’ losses this season coming against the Pacers. “You think about it. When you go home and sleep and wake up, you think about it. When you go back and work out, you think about it….When you’re about to get freaky at night, you think about it,” Giannis said. Giannis and longtime partner Mariah Riddlespringer, who have three children together, revealed they were engaged in September 2023.

The Pacers have beaten the Bucks four times this season, including in back-to-back games on January 1 and January 3. However, the Bucks, whose one win against Indiana devolved into a post-game brawl, will not have any chance for revenge until the playoffs. There are no more scheduled games between the two teams for the rest of the season. Furthermore, at the time of writing, the Bucks are the second seed while the Pacers are the fifth seed.

Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Victor Wembanyama “Special” After First Matchup

Giannis Leads Early All-Star Voting

Meanwhile, Giannis was the overall top vote-getter in early returns for All-Star Voting. LeBron James and Giannis have both surpassed two million votes in the first round of public all-star voting. Meanwhile – Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton all broke the one million vote mark. Next month’s game, which will be held in Indianapolis, will also return to the old East v West matchup format. The return to the traditional method of team selection replaces the recently used Captain’s Draft method. Giannis and LeBron were both captains last year, with Giannis’ team winning a high-scoring game in Salt Lake City.

Additionally, if selected, LeBron will become the NBA’s all-time All-Star leader with 20 selections. He is currently tied for 19 selections with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. James Harden, who started the season benched by the Sixers, is currently in fourth place in Western Conference backcourt voting. Voting runs through January 20, with the next voting update released on January 11. Who do you want to make the All-Star Game? Let us know in the comments.

Read More: LeBron James Gives Every Lakers Teammate Personalized Greeting In Pre-Game Ritual

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Feuds With Pacers After They Take Game Ball From His Record-Breaking Night

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Tensions flared between Giannis Antetokounmpo and members of the Indiana Pacers after the Pacers seemingly took the game ball from Giannis’ record-breaking night. A scuffle ensued in the corridor outside the visitors’ locker room as Giannis confronted Tyrese Haliburton amongst others. This led to two versions of events. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said the team took the ball to mark Oscar Tshiebwe’s first career points. Meanwhile, Giannis said he went looking for the ball to mark Damian Lillard moving into fifth place on the career three-pointers list. However, both Giannis and Carlisle agreed that the confrontation was “unfortunate”.

The backstage confrontation soured a historic night in Milwaukee. Giannis scored 64 points, setting a new franchise record and career high for the Greek star. The previous Bucks benchmark was 57, set by Michael Redd in 2006. Meanwhile, Giannis’ previous career high was 55 earlier this year. “He’s an unstoppable player. You can’t guard him one-on-one. You’ve got some really good guys surrounding him, but at the end of the day, it’s all him. His talent. His ability. His will. He has an incredible will to win, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win,” first-year Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said.

Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo Sits With Fans Following Ejection

Draymond Green Suspended

However, tension wasn’t only felt in Milwaukee. Draymond Green has been “suspended indefinitely” by the NBA after being ejected against the Suns earlier this week. Per the NBA’s statement on the decision, the suspension “takes into account Green’s repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.” Furthermore, “He will be required to meet certain league and team conditions before he returns to play,” the league added. Green received his 18th career ejection, and third of the season, for striking the Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić in the face with a spinning backhand early in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game.

While Green did apologize for the incident, the NBA has chosen to come down hard on the veteran. The Warriors will meet with Green and his agent, Rich Paul, to devise a rehabilitative program to help Green return to the court. Furthermore, a source told ESPN that the Warriors had “lost their leverage for disciplining” Green after not adequately punishing him after he punched Jordan Poole last season. However, sources also told the outlet that Green is open to getting “whatever help he needs” to “overcome the challenges he is facing.”

Read More: Draymond Green Believes The NBA Needs To Go Easy On Him

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Bucks Coach Downplays Heated Exchange With Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin has downplayed any notion of friction between him and Giannis Antetokounmpo after the two had a heated sideline exchange. “He wanted to stay in, I wanted to give him a breather. That’s all it was. And then I told him to stay at the table for one possession, and he got right back out there,” Griffin said after the game. Meanwhile, Giannis simply said “no” when asked to give an explanation of the exchange.

Giannis had a 21-point double-double in the three-point loss to Boston. While the Celtics led whistle to whistle, they allowed the Bucks to rally from a nearly 20-point deficit to lose by three. It’s been a common theme for the 12-3 Celtics – taking their foot off the gas just a few minutes too early and risking snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. With the loss, the Bucks fell to 10-5 on the season. However, they still comfortably lead their division.

Read More: Chris Paul Ejection Deepens Beef With Veteran Ref

Holiday Rematches The Bucks

Furthermore, Wednesday’s game marked Jrue Holiday’s first game against his old team. While he did not speak with reporters after the win, Holiday did speak on his offseason trade during warmups. “A warning would’ve been cool. But other than that, I’m in the best place that I can be to compete against them, which is for the top team in the East and, hopefully, the top team in the league,” Holiday said of the surprise trade. However, he clarified that he didn’t hold any sort of grudge towards his former team. “I think that they got what they wanted, so I can’t be mad at that,” he added.

However, Holiday was fairly quiet in the game, dropping just 5 points and 8 rebounds. It marks his lowest points output of the season and the second time in three games he has failed to hit double digits in any statistical category. Up next for the Bucks is a game against the Wizards on Friday. Meanwhile, Boston face the Magic on the same day.

Read More: Josh Giddey Accused Of Having Sexual Relationship With A Minor

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