Observations: Cavs Double-Digit Loss To Bucks

The Cleveland Cavaliers eight-game winning streak snapped against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The eight-game winning streak has come to an end. The Milwaukee Bucks got their revenge on the Cleveland Cavaliers after last week's blowout victory. Cleveland lost 116-126 at the hands of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Here are some key observations from the Cavs' loss.

Cavs Slow Start

The Cavs have grown accustomed to fast starts during their eight-game winning streak. The first few minutes of the game were all Bucks while Cleveland searched for any sort of rhythm. Milwaukee outscored the Cavs 32-28 in the first quarter and entered the half with a 10-point lead.

Isaac Okoro also picked up two quick fouls guarding Damian Lillard forcing J.B. Bickerstaff to go to his bench much earlier than anticipated. 

Jan 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives for the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaac Okoro (35) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports / © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks Owned The Paint

The Cavs have been playing smaller lineups in the absence of Evan Mobley which has allowed them to knock down a lot more threes. However, there's a trade-off to that too and the Bucks exposed that weakness.

Milwaukee absolutely owned the paint against Cleveland. They outrebounded the Cavs 39-46 and scored 14 second-chance points because of that.

Still, Jarrett Allen was able to extend his double-double streak (21 PTS, 12REB) to 13 games.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo Affect

The Bucks were missing Giannis Antetokounmpo the last time these two met up and his team lost by 40 points. Milwaukee had their reining MVP back in the lineup on Wednesday and Cleveland struggled to contain him.

Giannis scored 35 points while shooting 66% (16-24) from the floor, grabbed 18 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists for his second consecutive triple-double. It's matchups such as this one that should make Cleveland eager to get their all-defensive team member Evan Mobley back on the floor.

Obviously, a team isn't going to completely shut down Giannis. But the Cavs need to do a better job of limiting his presence on Friday night when Cleveland gets another shot at the Bucks.