Milwaukee Bucks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats – Box Score and Game Recap

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a commanding 118-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on November 17, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 37 points as the Cavaliers erased an early deficit to pull away in the second half. The Bucks suffered a significant blow when All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was forced to leave the game due to injury.

The match marked the first encounter between the Central Division rivals during the 2025-26 regular season. Both teams entered the game with winning records, setting up what many anticipated would be a highly competitive contest. Instead, Cleveland’s superior shooting efficiency and Mitchell’s offensive dominance proved decisive in determining the final outcome.

This game recap provides comprehensive player statistics, team performance metrics, and quarter-by-quarter analysis for fans seeking detailed box score information from the Bucks-Cavaliers matchup.

Bucks vs Cavaliers Game Summary and Key Stats

Key Player Performances

• Donovan Mitchell posted 37 points on 14-of-22 shooting, adding 7 assists in 36 minutes of play.
• Ryan Rollins led the Bucks with 24 points despite shooting 9-of-22 from the field.
• Myles Turner contributed 7 rebounds alongside his scoring output for Milwaukee.
• Dean Wade grabbed 8 rebounds, all on the defensive end, for the Cavaliers.
• Cole Anthony recorded 8 points and 2 turnovers in 22 minutes off the bench.

Team Statistics Comparison

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Bucks Establish Early Lead

Milwaukee came out firing on all cylinders, building a 23-10 advantage early in the opening quarter. Giannis Antetokounmpo set the tone with assists on three-pointers by AJ Green and Ryan Rollins, while also converting driving floaters. The Bucks carried a 33-26 lead into the second quarter after outscoring Cleveland by seven points in the period.

Second Quarter: Momentum Shifts

The Cavaliers began their comeback attempt in the second quarter, tightening their defensive effort while Mitchell orchestrated the offense. The Bucks maintained their lead through halftime, though the margin began to narrow as Cleveland found their rhythm on both ends of the floor.

Third Quarter: Cavaliers Take Control

Cleveland seized momentum in the third quarter, with the Bucks briefly leading 60-59 before the Cavaliers mounted a decisive run. Key three-pointers from Myles Turner, Sam Merrill, and Evan Mobley fueled the surge. Mitchell’s offensive production proved instrumental as Cleveland outscored Milwaukee 33-31 in the period.

Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory

The Cavaliers closed out the game with authority, extending their lead to double digits. A pivotal moment came when Evan Mobley’s dunk made the score 104-116, prompting a Bucks timeout. Cleveland maintained their composure down the stretch to secure the 12-point victory.

Top Performers and Player Details

Cleveland Cavaliers Standouts

Donovan Mitchell delivered a virtuoso performance, finishing with 37 points on exceptional efficiency. He connected on 14 of his 22 field goal attempts and 5 of 7 free throws while distributing 7 assists. Mitchell committed only 2 turnovers across 36 minutes, demonstrating his ability to control the game under pressure. His performance solidified his role as one of the premier scorers in the league, as highlighted in comprehensive NBA player statistics analysis coverage.

Dean Wade provided crucial rebounding with his 8 boards, all coming on the defensive glass. His effort on the boards helped Cleveland control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities for Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Bucks Contributors

Ryan Rollins emerged as Milwaukee’s leading scorer with 24 points, though his shooting efficiency left room for improvement at 9-of-22 from the field. He converted his only free throw attempt and showed the ability to create his own offense throughout the contest.

Myles Turner recorded a double-digit rebounding performance with 7 boards, including 6 on the defensive end. His presence in the paint provided resistance against Cleveland’s offensive attacks.

Cole Anthony contributed 8 points in limited minutes, recording 2 turnovers in 22 minutes of action. His bench production offered Milwaukee some offensive flexibility during Antetokounmpo’s absence.

2025-26 Season Series Recap

October 26, 2025: Cavaliers 118-113 Bucks

Cleveland claimed the first meeting of the season, winning by five points in their home opener. Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated with 40 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists, but Mitchell’s clutch fourth-quarter scoring proved the difference down the stretch. Evan Mobley added 23 points while Jarrett Allen recorded 11 rebounds. Milwaukee shot 51% from the field but could not overcome Cleveland’s late-game execution.

November 17, 2025: Cavaliers 118-106 Bucks

The rematch saw Cleveland win again, this time by 12 points. Mitchell’s 37-point performance eclipsed Antetokounmpo’s early contributions before the Bucks star was injured. The Cavaliers shot 56% as a team, their best performance against Milwaukee this season.

February 25, 2026: Bucks 118-116 Cavaliers

Milwaukee evened the season series with a narrow two-point victory at home. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 20 points including the game-winning jumper with 5.8 seconds remaining. Ryan Rollins added 18 points while Jarrett Allen recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort. The game featured dramatic late-game sequence where Allen’s buzzer-beating shot was overturned after replay review. For a detailed look at the player statistics from this matchup, see the Fluminense vs Al Hilal.

Game Timeline and Key Moments

1. Q1 4:32 – Bucks build 23-10 lead behind Antetokounmpo’s playmaking
2. Q1 Final – Milwaukee leads 33-26 after outscoring Cleveland by seven
3. Q3 5:15 – Bucks lead 60-59 before Cavaliers surge
4. Q3 Highlights – Myles Turner, Sam Merrill, and Evan Mobley hit consecutive threes
5. Q4 2:30 – Evan Mobley dunk makes it 104-116; Bucks call timeout
6. Final – Cavaliers win 118-106 behind Mitchell’s 37 points

Verified Stats and Unconfirmed Information

Confirmed Statistics

• Final score: Cavaliers 118, Bucks 106
• Donovan Mitchell: 37 points, 7 assists, 2 turnovers
• Ryan Rollins: 24 points (Bucks leading scorer)
• Team field goal percentages and shooting volumes
• Giannis Antetokounmpo left game due to injury

Information Requiring Further Confirmation

• Specific second quarter scoring details
• Complete rebound totals for the Cavaliers
• Antetokounmpo’s specific injury diagnosis
• Individual minute distributions beyond highlighted players
• Bench production statistics for both teams

Match Significance and Division Standings

The November 17th matchup carried significant weight within the Central Division race. Both teams entered with aspirations of playoff positioning, and the result provided Cleveland with an early psychological advantage in the season series. The Cavaliers’ ability to overcome an early deficit demonstrated their resilience and depth as a contender.

Milwaukee’s injury concerns add uncertainty to their trajectory. Without Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the game, the Bucks lacked the offensive firepower necessary to match Cleveland’s sustained production. How the organization manages his recovery will likely influence their competitiveness through the remainder of the season.

The shooting efficiency gap proved particularly telling. Cleveland’s 56% field goal percentage represents exceptional production against a quality opponent, while Milwaukee’s 42% marks a below-average performance that complicated their path to victory despite adequate three-point shooting. This efficiency disparity underscores the importance of shot selection and defensive pressure in determining game outcomes.

Official Sources and References

“Donovan Mitchell scored 37 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to an 118-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, who lost All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to an injury during the game.”

— CBS Sports Game Tracker Report

• CBS Sports Game Tracker
• ESPN Game Recap
• ESPN Recap (February 25, 2026)
• ESPN Box Score (October 26, 2025)

Summary

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 118-106 on November 17, 2025, with Donovan Mitchell leading all scorers at 37 points. Cleveland overcame an early 23-10 deficit to dominate the second half, aided significantly by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury departure. The Cavaliers shot 56% from the field compared to Milwaukee’s 42%, with Ryan Rollins scoring 24 points in a losing effort for the Bucks. For additional NBA matchup analysis, explore our Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz Match Player Stats coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions