Cavaliers
The Cavaliers didn’t need Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to do all the scoring Saturday. They needed them to find the guys who were.
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen combined for 52 points on 23-of-32 shooting in the 136-111 win at Milwaukee. As Chase Brownawell of Cavaliers On SI writes, the backcourt’s willingness to get the big men involved helped the Cavs build a lead and, this time, keep it.
Mitchell and Harden combined for 28 points on just 15 shots. The Cavs finished with 41 assists on 52 baskets, including 20 threes. Allen scored 24 of his 25 points in the paint, while Mobley continued to make Milwaukee pay from outside.
Meleek Thomas also returned from his foot injury and was among Kenny Atkinson’s first substitutions, entering alongside Sam Merrill. Thomas scored 10 points in his third NBA appearance, giving the Cavs another ball handler behind their starting guards.
The Cavs host the Thunder on Monday.
RELATED | Dribbles: Cavs make it look easy as big men lead the way
Lakers
The Lakers got seven points from their bench in Friday’s loss to the Warriors. Having another option available Sunday certainly won’t hurt.
Rookie wing Cameron Carr is off the injury report after missing the start of the season with an oblique strain, Lakers On SI reports. The first-round pick could make his NBA debut against the Raptors at Crypto.com Arena.
That gives JJ Redick another player to consider as the Lakers try to respond to a game in which they lost a 25-point lead and were outscored 50-7 by Golden State’s reserves.
Carr’s availability doesn’t guarantee a rotation spot, but it does give Redick a chance to see what the rookie can provide. The Lakers are still waiting on other reinforcements.
Ziaire Williams is questionable with foot soreness after missing two games, while Adou Thiero remains out with knee issues.
Bucks
The Bucks’ defensive problems aren’t confined to one matchup or one bad night. The second quarter, in particular, keeps getting away from them.
As Tre Allen of Bucks On SI notes, Milwaukee entered Saturday tied for the second-most points allowed in that period. Then the Cavs scored 48.
The Bucks fell to 1-5, following a 32-point loss to Houston with a 25-point defeat against the Cavs. They allowed 60 points in the paint Saturday.
There was some encouragement from rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament. Both scored career-high 14 points. Burries made four of seven shots, while Ament went 6-of-8 overall and 2-of-3 from deep.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
