The Cleveland Cavaliers gave the newly crowned NBA Cup champions from Milwaukee no chance, while the Thunder and the Sixers also recorded strong victories.
After their triumph in the NBA Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a bitter defeat: the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated them 124:101. Donovan Mitchell led his team with 27 points, supported by Darius Garland (16 points), Evan Mobley and Dean Wade (15 points each).
For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo was once again the standout player, scoring 33 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. However, without Damian Lillard, who was missing due to a calf injury, and with a poor performance from their starting guards, the Bucks didn’t stand a chance.
The Cavaliers impressed with their three-point field goal percentage in particular: 20 successful threes underlined the team’s offensive power. Cleveland remains a force at home (15-1) and has now won seven of its last eight games.
Thunder continue hot streak – Hartenstein with double-double
The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their seventh consecutive NBA win with a 104-97 victory over the Miami Heat. Jalen Williams scored a season-high 33 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone with 25 points. Isaiah Hartenstein also put in another double-double with 13 points and 18 rebounds.
Tyler Herro was the top scorer for the Heat with 28 points and 12 rebounds. However, they were without Jimmy Butler, who was unable to play due to illness. Bam Adebayo was able to continue playing despite an eye injury, but even his 17 points and 10 rebounds were not enough to pose a threat to the Thunder.
Embiid leads the Sixers to victory
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid showed why he continues to be one of the best players in the league. After returning from injury, the center made an impressive comeback, leading the Sixers to a 108-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets with 34 points, nine assists and five rebounds. He was supported by Tyrese Maxey (23 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (22 points), who together made eight three-pointers.
For the Hornets, Vasilije Micic was the top scorer with 20 points, but the team was unable to make up for the absence of key players LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Charlotte continues to struggle, having lost 12 of their last 13 games.
