Cavaliers Defense Shines Against Bucks

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks behind an impressive defensive performance.

The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the most talented teams in the NBA. They have plenty of dynamic players on their roster and that starts with reining MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and one of the top point guards in the league Damian Lillard. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers were disappointed with their physicality when these two teams faced off on Wednesday evening. They picked up the intensity in the second meeting and that defense led the wine and gold to a 112-100 victory.

The Cavs' defense made life difficult for the starting group with Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez combined to score 47 points and shot an inefficient 29% (16-54) from the floor. Giannis did score 22 points but Cleveland's aggressiveness forced him to be in foul trouble for the majority of the night.

Jan 26, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) defends Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As a team, the Bucks shot 40% (35-87) from the floor and 38% (13-34) from behind the arc. Cleveland really picked it up in the second half and the Bucks only had a 38% efficiency in the final 24 minutes.

Isaac Okoro was praised for his defense against some of the game's best scorers, but it was overall a team effort to secure the victory. J.B. Bickerstaff made sure to stress this in his postgame press conference.

"That's what our team is about. It's never one-on-one, it's always one one-on-five, and we're protecting one another," said Bickerstaff after the victory.

"You don't stop a Giannis or a Lillard by yourself. They bought into 'whoever was guarding him, I'm going to protect this guy' and that's what we're all about. Cleveland Cavaliers basketball is about being together, being selfless, and trusting one another."

The Cavaliers have redefined their defensive identity over the last month which has helped the team win nine of their last 10 games. Everyone knows that you need to have a good offense to go deep into the playoffs, but Cleveland also has the defense to go on a run come April.