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What we learned from the Milwaukee Bucks terrible loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Giannis-less Bucks got pummeled on Wednesday.

Jonas Panerio

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks got plowed by 40 points in Cleveland, 135-95, to drop to 28-13 on the season. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined because of a shoulder injury, the Bucks couldn't get anything going on both ends and trailed by as many as 47 points in this game. Here are two takeaways from this one-sided contest.

One of those nights for the Bucks

The NBA is a marathon where any team is bound to have an off night. Unfortunately for the Bucks, this was one of those nights. Nothing seemed right for the team as they shot just 40% from the field and got outrebounded 55-36. The Bucks also couldn't keep up with the Cavs' ball movement, which led to a whopping 36-19 disparity in the assist department.

Bobby Portis, who scored 16 points off the bench, chalked the loss up to being one of those games and credited the Cavs for playing a great game.

"I think sometimes in the league, man, you kind of have those dog days where it just ain't your night," Portis said.

"Maybe we could've put more effort or sprinting back on defense or whatever it was, but offensive end, it just wasn't our night shooting the ball. Defensive end, really couldn't get a stop. They made every shot they threw up. I feel like every time they shot it, it was going to go in."

Jae's back on the floor

Veteran forward Jae Crowder returned to the court after a two-month absence due to an abdomen injury and had 15 points, making four three-pointers. After the game, Crowder said being out there helped him overcome the mental hurdle of getting back to playing at full speed.

"Just good for my mental, let me know that I could still play basketball and do it without pain now," Crowder said.

"That's the most I took from it. I'm able to make cuts and do stuff without any pain. We can only go up from here. I just think tonight was good for my mental. Obviously, we got our ass kicked, but we're going to regroup and get back to it."

Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks lose badly to the Cleveland Cavaliers

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO