The Rundown: Mitchell’s 36 leads Cavaliers past Bucks

Scoreboard

Cavaliers 114, Bucks 106

76ers 113, Pistons 93

Bulls 110, Hawks 108

Pacers 117, Celtics 112

Nets 143, Warriors 113

Raptors 113, Knicks 106

Magic 116, Rockets 110

Mavericks 104, Timberwolves 99

Thunder 101, Trail Blazers 98

Kings 134, Lakers 120

Clippers 126, Hornets 105

What went down

Two East powerhouses went toe-to-toe in Cleveland as the Cavaliers held off the Bucks. 

Donovan Mitchell had 36 points as the Cavs did just enough to endure a season-high 45 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

The third time proved to be the charm for the Cavaliers, who lost twice against the Bucks earlier this season. On Thursday, the home team raced to a 15-point first-quarter lead. With Mitchell at the forefront, they led by as many as 26 points. The Bucks, however, rallied in the second half, scoring 64 points in the last two quarters before falling short. 

It was a five-point game, 109-194, with a little over two minutes left after Pat Connaughton drilled a triple. But Cleveland answered right back with a Darius Garland fadeaway to give his team more cushion. The Cavaliers held on by making defensive stops and free throws. 

Big-time baller

Pascal Siakam lit up Madison Square Garden for a career-high 52 points, helping the Raptors snap the Knicks’ 8-game win streak. 

Spicy P went 17-of-25 from the field and made 16 of his 18 attempts at the line. He also provided nine rebounds, seven dimes, plus a steal. 

A career night for Pascal Siakam:

52 PTS (career-high)
9 REB
7 AST

Raptors win in MSG. pic.twitter.com/j4pOldXvzX

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2022

What he said

All-Star voting just opened. Will we see some new faces enter the All-Star Game? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting on a spectacular season for the Thunder. If SGA keeps this up, he’ll definitely be in the ASG in Utah. 

SGA on the possibility of being selected as an All-Star:

"It would be an honor. It's something that I know I dream about." ?? pic.twitter.com/XjPFSXC7Or

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2022

Did you see that?

DeMar DeRozan tried to go for the win but his jumper caught air. Fortunately for the Bulls, Ayo Dosunmu was there to get the putback and the win. It was a heck of a play from the youngster who ran all the way to the cup after inbounding the ball. 

Ayo came all the way from being the inbounder to get the putback for the GAME WINNER 😳 pic.twitter.com/kSI1PNOhiy

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 22, 2022