By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo neared a triple-double, but he was not enough for the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers repelled a late rally to prevail, 118-113, in their first home game of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
Initially listed as probable to play with a left great to sprain, the 30-year-old Greek point forward lasted 33:18 on Sunday. He scored 40 points with 14/20 field goals, including one three-pointer. With 14 rebounds shaping a double-double, he dished out nine assists to near a triple-double. He also recorded two blocks and two steals.
“I’ve seen it all,” Giannis replied to a question about the defensive plan of the Cavs, “I’ve played with two bigs guarding me. I’ve played with guys picking me full court, wings. I’ve played with people double-teaming in the post. I’ve played with people building the wall. I’ve played with a small guard guarding me.”
“When I step on the court, I try to read the plays and whatever is available I take,” he continued, “If my teammate is open, I’m going to pass him the ball and I hope he makes the shot because that’s the right play. And there’s going to be times that I’m going to play one-on-one and I’m going to take him and score. And there’s going to be times I’m going to take him and not score. And no matter what the outcome is, I’m OK with it because I just let myself trust my instinct so much. I’ve worked so much in my life, and I’ve seen everything, all kinds of defense. Especially when you play FIBA basketball, their defense is tougher than NBA basketball. Not in the playoffs. I’m talking about the Regular Season.”
The Freak’s brothers went from Thanasis staying on the bench and Alex remaining out of the lineup for the team coached by Doc Rivers. Kyle Kuzma (left ankle sprain), Cole Anthony (illness), and Kevin Porter Jr. (left ankle sprain) were out.
“I think it says a lot,” Giannis praised the team effort through the absences of three key players. “The Cavs had the best record last year. If you really put it down, they’re one of the best teams in the East. In order for you to be one of the good teams and break through and do what you’re supposed to do, you’ve got to go through teams like that.”
“I feel like we have a lot of guys that are capable of making plays,” he added on the roster depth, “This is the culture that I think we’ve said from training camp. It doesn’t matter who steps on the court, you’ve got to make the right plays.”
Donovan Mitchell poured in ten of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Cavs match the Bucks at 2-1.