The difference was free throws with the Bucks making 25 to just 11 for the Cavs. A 14-point difference in a 10-point loss. The Cavs kept reaching into the cookie jar and the very experienced Bucks just ripped through and got the calls. You have to keep your hands back and play defense with your feet against these cagey old vets. Lillard, Middleton, and Giannis have perfected the art of drawing a foul. As soon as you extend an arm they go for it.
Mitchell just can't shoot 3's against these guys. He was 2-for-11 tonight and 2-for-10 in the loss in Cleveland. But he was 8-for-13 on 2-point attempts. I thought he should have shelved the 3's and gone for more mid-range jumpers, which he was knocking down consistently.
Allen missed 9 shots, many of which he usually makes. It looked like he was rushing his shots, maybe worried about Lopez.
LeVert's wrist still isn't OK; he took three 3's and missed them all badly. One accidently banked off the glass and went in, however.
I was amazed at how many difficult, low percentage shots the Bucks made, especially Lillard. There would be a Cavalier in perfect position to block the shot but the Bucks would not only get the shot off, they'd make it. On so many possessions the Cavs forced the Bucks to take a difficult contested shot but they went in anyway. Hopefully that will even out on Friday.
Lopez had five offensive rebounds. He was swatting missed shots out to the perimeter all night.
The Bucks rank 29th in steals but had nine tonight. Some of it was Mitchell trying to dribble through a crowd. He had six of the Cavs' 12 turnovers.
Just a combination of poor shooting nights by Mitchell and Allen (23 missed shots between them) and too much fouling by the Cavs along with some incredible shot making by the Bucks. And the Cavs were still within six points with 3:44 to go.
Give the Bucks credit - they know how to close out a game. With the Cavs down by just six at the 3:44 mark they called time out and ran a play where Allen got picked from behind, allowing Giannis to waltz down the lane for a slam as Merrill went to the wrong side. Then a Mitchell turnover trying to split two defenders, a Middleton jumper, and a couple of 3's by the Bucks ended the game.
It's not surprising the Bucks came out and played really well. Let's see what adjustments the Cavs make on Friday. The good news is Miami got beat at home by the 16-27 Memphis Grizzlies with eight players out, including Ja Morant. That was a shocker and it helps the Cavs.
