The Milwaukee Bucks produced a strong attacking display to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-85 on Saturday.
The Milwaukee Bucks produced a strong attacking display to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 92-85 on Saturday.
The Bucks, who improved to 9-1 in their last 10 games, capitalised on the absence of LeBron James, who was rested by Cavs coach Mike Brown.
"He's played a lot of minutes for us, and I just felt it would be good for him and for the team to hold him out," Brown told reporters. "He''s a competitive person and he wants to be out there.
"This is my decision based on the minutes I think he's played and his body and all that other stuff. This is a coach''s decision so I''m holding him out."
The Bucks pulled away early in the third quarter, outscoring Cleveland 11-0 in a three-minute burst to take a 58-45 lead. The Cavaliers cut the lead to seven before the end of the quarter but were unable to get any closer.
"We couldn't get some stops for a stretch, and then I thought we had some pretty good looks, and the looks didn''t go down," said Brown.
"That gave Milwaukee confidence and allowed them to run out a couple of times. The next thing you know, we're down double digits again. You've got to give credit to Milwaukee. They played a heck of a ball game, but I thought our guys did a nice job trying to fight, especially defensively."
Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 25 points as all five of their starters scored in double digits. Carlos Delfino had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds, as did Luc Mbah a Moute, who had 11 rebounds and 10 points.
Newly acquired Antawn Jamison had a game-high 30 points for Cleveland with 11 rebounds, while Delonte West contributed 27 in almost 32 minutes off the bench.
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