Without their best player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, in their most recent matchup, the Bucks came up just short in a hard-fought 116-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here’s a closer look at the three key takeaways from Monday’s game.

Allen stopped an Antetokounmpo drive attempt, and the Bucks called timeout with 14.9 left to set up Lillard in the half-court – and he dropped a 15-foot step-back over Isaac Okoro with 9.8 remaining to give the Bucks a 114-113 lead.

Nov 2, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Darius Garland scored 39 points, Evan Mobley added 17 and the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 8-0 with a 116-114 win on Monday night over the Milwaukee Bucks, who played without injured superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In a full slate of games on Monday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged out a 116-114 win to remain undefeated on the season. The showdown came just two nights after their first meeting in Milwaukee when the Cavaliers beat the Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.