Giannis, Dame unleash offensive might in Milwaukee's win over Cleveland

Antetokounmpo and Lillard combined for 65 points in a win against the Cavs.

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks were walking the tightrope early in the game, but things changed when they unchained their two-headed monster.

The Bucks rode on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard's third-quarter explosion to complete their rally from a 15-point deficit, securing a 119-111 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Potent duo

Antetokounmpo and Lillard each scored 14 points in the third quarter, where Milwaukee outscored Cleveland, 40-21, to take a 92-80 lead after being down by seven at the half, 52-59.

"When you put the basketball in the hands of your two best players, you're going to get good results," Antetokounmpo said. "If you want to double-team Dame, then I'm going to be open to make a play or get the ball to my teammates."

Greek Freak in full force.

34 PTS | 16 REB | 5 AST pic.twitter.com/3FIPNNMFip

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 30, 2023

Giannis finished with 34 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and a steal. Meanwhile, Lillard piled up 31 points, four assists, and two boards.

Dame unloaded 24 of his total output in the second half, allowing Milwaukee to seize control of the game.

"I thought we were able to break them down inside-out tonight," said Lillard, who was 11 of 11 from the foul line, all in the second half. "Our team is growing and we're establishing ourselves. I think it shows in this type of a game."

Dame's got game.

31 PTS | 4 AST | 2 REB pic.twitter.com/jQkOD39Rxd

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 30, 2023

Milwaukee's duo is thriving

The Bucks becoming unstoppable is something that pundits envisioned when Dame arrived in Milwaukee to team up with Giannis.

Thirty-two games into the season, Antetokounmpo is putting up a team-high 30.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Meanwhile, Lillard is averaging 25.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.

"Dame is also a guy who can single-handedly take over a game. You can't stop Giannis and him, so you have to figure out how to balance your defense. It's a challenge," Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the game.