Cleveland snatched a 114-113 victory over Milwaukee, maintaining their unbeaten season. Oklahoma City also continues to win.
The Bucks appeared poised for their second win of the season after a 41-point performance from Damian Lillard, who gave his team a 113-112 lead after making a jumper with 10 seconds left.
But Donovan Mitchell expertly managed the final seconds before sinking the final blow and leaving the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee in dead silence.
There was still time for one last buzzer-beater attempt from Lillard, but the Bucks star’s attempt bounced off the backboard and left Cleveland with a perfect record 7-0 atop the Eastern Conference.
Mitchell, who finished with 30 points, four assists and three rebounds, attributed his game-winning shot to a rebound by teammate Isaac Okoro, which occurred moments earlier.
“It’s not about the shot, it’s about Isaac Okoro’s rebound.” Mitchell said. “It’s all here. I did my job, Isaac did his, we all did our job. It’s an important victory. They played great. As a group, we continue to fight and fight.”
The all-around performance saw six Cavaliers players score double figures in a see-saw matchup that saw 19 lead changes.
Sam Merrill stood out with 17 points off the bench for Cleveland, hitting five three-pointers, while Jarrett Allen had 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bucks will have to reflect on another inconsistent performance, which left them just one point off the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 1-5 record.
Lillard, who scored just four points in Thursday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, bounced back brightly, shooting 10 of 15 from beyond the arc for the Bucks.
“I’ve been in the league for 13 years and I’ve had my share of tough nights, ups and downs, individually and as a team.”Lillard said. “The only way to restart is to go back to work and keep your mind at ease, trying not to think about it too much.” Giannis Antetokounmpo also impressed in Milwaukee’s loss, finishing with 34 points and 16 rebounds.
The Thunder must be sent
In other games on Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain the league’s only undefeated team after overcoming a 13-point halftime deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 105-92.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 25 points as the Thunder improved to 5-0 and remained atop the Western Conference.
Suns, Nuggets and Celtics win
The Phoenix Suns remain in second place in the West at 5-1 after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 103-97.
In Denver, the Nuggets improved to 3-3 on the season thanks to a 129-103 win against the Utah Jazz, with Nikola Jokic just missing a triple-double after finishing with 27 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists.
In Charlotte, Jayson Tatum’s 29 points helped NBA champions Boston defeat the Hornets for the second straight time, with the Celtics winning 113-103 at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center.
Payton Pritchard shined once again off the bench for Boston, hitting six three-pointers in a 22-point cameo. Luke Kornet added 19 points, while Derrick White finished with 18 points.
Tatum’s performance in the face of Charlotte’s suffocating defensive pressure was praised by Boston coach Joe Mazzulla: “They double teamed him and he made the right play every time,” said Mazzulla of Tatum. “I think he played a great game.”
“I felt like he had great poise throughout the game and understood how the defense was guarding him.”
76ers e Grizzlies ok
In Philadelphia, the 76ers’ difficult start to the season, in the absence of the injured Joel Embiid and Paul George, continued with a 123-107 victory for Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 27 points, while Ja Morant added 18 points and 12 assists.
