Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Player Stats & Box Score

The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers met twice during the opening week of November 2024, producing two tightly contested matchups decided by a combined five points. Both games took place at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, with Cleveland emerging victorious on each occasion. The back-to-back encounters showcased standout individual performances from players on both rosters, particularly from Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland.

While the Cavaliers maintained their unbeaten standing through both games, the Bucks fought competitively despite key circumstances, including the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the second contest. The following breakdown provides a comprehensive look at player statistics, box scores, and the most significant moments from both games.

What is the Box Score and Final Score for Bucks vs Cavs?

November 2, 2024: Cavaliers Edge Bucks 114-113

Donovan Mitchell delivered the decisive shot with a last-second jumper, capping a 30-point performance that sealed Cleveland’s one-point victory. Mitchell connected on 11 of 25 field goal attempts and all four free throws, helping the Cavaliers preserve their unbeaten record through the early season.

Damian Lillard nearly single-handedly willed Milwaukee to victory, pouring in a game-high 41 points on efficient 13-of-24 shooting. The veteran guard also contributed nine rebounds, nine assists, and committed just one turnover across 39 minutes of play. His performance represented one of the most complete games of his Bucks tenure during that stretch.

Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a near triple-double with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists. His 16 boards included 10 defensive rebounds and six offensive rebounds, demonstrating his continued dominance on the glass despite the narrow loss.

November 4, 2024: Cavaliers Complete Sweep 116-114

Four days later, the Cavaliers returned to Milwaukee and secured their eighth consecutive win without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remained sidelined due to injury. Darius Garland led all scorers with 39 points, while Evan Mobley added 17 points in a supporting role.

Damian Lillard continued his strong scoring output with driving layups and step-back jumpers, including a 22-foot step-back that highlighted his perimeter shooting ability. He also registered assists, including a feed to Andre Jackson Jr. for a three-pointer. Donovan Mitchell contributed driving layups while setting up Garland for key baskets throughout the contest.

Play-by-play documentation notes Evan Mobley missing a six-foot shot and recording an assist on Isaac Okoro’s 24-foot three-pointer. Full box score statistics for the November 4 game remain limited compared to the earlier encounter.

Who Were the Top Scorers and Key Performers?

Milwaukee Bucks Offensive Leaders

Damian Lillard established himself as Milwaukee’s primary scoring option across both games. His 41-point effort on November 2 featured 13 successful attempts from 24 field goal tries, including multiple conversions from beyond the arc. Lillard’s stat line of 41 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists nearly completed a triple-double while minimizing turnovers to just one.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 34-point, 16-rebound, 9-assist performance on November 2 demonstrated his all-around impact despite the loss. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—particularly 10 defensive rebounds—underscored his defensive presence and offensive versatility. On November 4, his absence shifted additional scoring responsibility to teammates, with Lillard carrying a heavier load.

Cleveland Cavaliers Offensive Leaders

Donovan Mitchell’s 30-point showing in the first game included the game-winning shot late in the fourth quarter. His 11-of-25 shooting from the field demonstrated volume scoring, while his four perfect free throw attempts proved crucial in the closing moments. Mitchell’s ability to create offense from step-back jumpers and drives kept Cleveland’s offense functional throughout tight stretches.

Darius Garland elevated his performance significantly in the second matchup, scoring 39 points to lead all players in either contest. His scoring outburst came alongside contributions from Mitchell and Mobley, demonstrating Cleveland’s offensive depth beyond their primary star.

Jarrett Allen’s contributions on November 2 included 12 points and significant rebounding activity, particularly on the defensive glass where he secured 10 rebounds. His hook shots and alley-oop finishes provided efficient scoring within the flow of Cleveland’s offense.

Evan Mobley showed playmaking ability across both games, recording multiple assists in the play-by-play data despite limited scoring totals. His work on defense and distribution complemented Cleveland’s frontcourt effectiveness alongside Jarrett Allen.

Detailed Player Stats for Bucks vs Cavs by Team and Position

Point Guards and Backcourt Production

The point guard matchup featured two of the league’s most prolific scorers at the position. Lillard’s 41-point performance on November 2 exceeded Mitchell’s 30-point output, yet the Cavaliers managed to win despite Milwaukee’s superior individual backcourt production. Garland’s 39-point explosion on November 4 further illustrated the difficulty Milwaukee faced containing Cleveland’s perimeter offense.

Frontcourt and Interior Play

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s interior presence created challenges for Cleveland’s defense, with his 16 rebounds providing Milwaukee with numerous second-chance opportunities. Jarrett Allen’s defensive rebounding in the November 2 game directly countered some of Giannis’s offensive board work, limiting Milwaukee’s extra possessions. Mobley’s versatile contributions on both ends, including assists recorded across play-by-play data, highlighted his development as a two-way big.

Team Metrics: Shooting, Rebounds, and Assists Leaders

Shooting Efficiency Highlights

Lillard’s shooting percentage of 54.2% (13-of-24) represented strong efficiency for a high-usage scorer carrying significant offensive burden. His ability to convert at this rate while also distributing the ball effectively created difficult defensive decisions for Cleveland’s scouting game plan.

Mitchell’s 11-of-25 performance (44%) reflected acceptable efficiency for a player assuming primary offensive responsibilities. His shooting selection, particularly from mid-range and step-back situations, aligned with Cleveland’s offensive identity during the early season.

Rebounding Battle

Jarrett Allen’s 10 defensive rebounds on November 2 demonstrated his importance to Cleveland’s interior defense. His ability to limit Giannis’s offensive rebound opportunities proved strategically significant given Milwaukee’s reliance on second-chance points generated through their star’s presence.

Giannis’s 16 total rebounds on November 2 included six offensive boards that translated into additional scoring attempts for Milwaukee. His overall rebounding rate remained elite despite the loss, consistent with his historical performance levels.

Assist Distribution

Lillard’s nine assists on November 2 highlighted his playmaking evolution within Milwaukee’s system. His partnership with Giannis produced multiple connection points, including Lillard-assisted Giannis two-pointers and three-pointers throughout the contest.

Darius Garland’s zero-turnover performance on November 2, achieved across 34 minutes, reflected exceptional ball security. His ability to facilitate without committing giveaways supported Cleveland’s offensive continuity during critical possessions.

Evan Mobley’s multiple recorded assists across both games demonstrated developing playmaking instincts. His assist to Isaac Okoro’s 24-foot three on November 4 exemplified the distribution ability emerging from Cleveland’s young frontcourt.

Quarter-by-Quarter Timeline and Key Plays

The November 2 matchup featured several momentum shifts throughout its regulation, with key plays distributed across all four quarters. Below is a chronological overview of notable moments from the game.

1. Q1, 9:44 remaining: Damian Lillard blocks Donovan Mitchell’s three-point attempt; Giannis Antetokounmpo secures defensive rebound. Source: CBS Sports
2. Q1, 9:17: Evan Mobley scores layup with Darius Garland assisting, giving Cleveland a 5-9 advantage. Source: ESPN
3. Q1, 8:55: Jarrett Allen converts hook shot assisted by Garland, extending Cleveland’s lead to 7-12. Source: ESPN
4. Q1, 7:30: Giannis Antetokounmpo finishes layup assisted by Lillard, putting Milwaukee ahead 9-18. Source: CBS Sports
5. Q4, 5:12: Lillard hits step-back three (Giannis assists), tying score 104-103; Brook Lopez immediately responds with three, giving Milwaukee a 104-106 lead. Source: ESPN
6. Late Q4: Multiple clutch conversions including Lillard 26-foot step-back three (Giannis assists), Allen alley-oop dunk (Mitchell assists), Mitchell 25-foot three (Allen assists), and Mobley seven-footer (Garland assists). Source: ESPN Box Score
7. Final seconds: Donovan Mitchell delivers game-winning jumper, securing Cleveland’s 114-113 victory. Source: ESPN

Verified Stats and Notes

All statistics included in this breakdown derive from official NBA data sources, including ESPN’s play-by-play documentation and CBS Sports box score reporting. The following items represent established facts verified across multiple sources.

Analysis: What the Stats Reveal

The two-game sample demonstrates Cleveland’s resilience in close contests and the difficulty of containing their offensive diversity. While Mitchell and Garland carried significant scoring burdens, contributions from players like Allen and Mobley provided supplementary production that proved decisive in low-margin outcomes.

Milwaukee’s challenge centered on converting strong individual performances into victories. Lillard’s near-triple-double on November 2 represented exceptional individual play, yet insufficient team defense in the closing moments allowed Mitchell’s game-winner. The Bucks’ reliance on their star duo—particularly when Giannis was unavailable—created situations where opposing teams could focus defensive attention.

Cleveland’s eight-game winning streak without Giannis Antetokounmpo reflects roster depth capable of sustaining success across adversity. Garland’s 39-point performance on November 4 illustrated the Cavaliers’ ability to distribute offensive responsibility among multiple capable scorers when circumstances demand.

For additional NBA matchup analysis, review the Pacers vs Celtics Match Player Stats – Game 4 Box Score and Leaders or explore the Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder Timeline – Head-to-Head Records and Results for broader statistical context.

Sources and References

“Damian Lillard led Milwaukee with a game-high 41 points (13/24 FG, 5/8 FT), 9 assists, and 9 rebounds in 39 minutes with just 1 turnover.”

— ESPN Game Coverage, Cavaliers vs Bucks, November 2, 2024

“Donovan Mitchell sealed the win with a last-second jumper, scoring 30 points (11/25 FG, 4/4 FT) to help Cleveland stay unbeaten.”

— ESPN Game Coverage, Cavaliers vs Bucks, November 2, 2024

“Darius Garland led with 39 points; Evan Mobley added 17 points.”

— ESPN Game Coverage, Bucks vs Cavaliers, November 4, 2024

Additional statistical data sourced from CBS Sports Game Tracker and ESPN Box Score Database.

Summary

The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers produced two compelling contests during early November 2024, with Cleveland prevailing by narrow margins in both matchups. Damian Lillard’s 41-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist performance on November 2 and Darius Garland’s 39-point effort four days later represented the standout individual showings. The Cavaliers’ ability to execute in late-game situations, exemplified by Donovan Mitchell’s game-winning jumper, proved decisive in close outcomes. Full box score data remains most complete for the November 2 contest, though key statistics and play-by-play documentation exist for both games.

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