CLEVELAND, OH - When "The Minivan" engine is firing like a Ferrari, it's tough for any opponent walking into Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and that was definitely the case in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 135-95 win over Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
Cavaliers wing Georges Niang, nicknamed "The Minivan", set a new career high with 33 points on 13-14 shooting, including 5-6 on three point shooting, in 27 minutes. Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell had 31 points and seven assists in just under 26 minutes.
Cleveland was able to get off to a hot start to the tune of a 22-2 run in the first 6:20 of the game, with Mitchell scoring 12 of those 22 points and setting the tone for the rest of the contest. The Cavs outscored the Bucks in each of the first three quarters, before the starters were rested for the entire fourth quarter.
Watch for Ice
While Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard had all eyes on him with fellow Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo out with a right shoulder injury, Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro was certainly up for the task of defending Lillard.
The fourth-year pro held Lillard to 17 points on 7-20 shooting, including 1-5 from three point range. With Lillard struggling against Okoro, the Bucks had to resort to setting screens to try to switch Okoro off of the star point guard, but that proved ineffective with other Cavs like Max Strus and Dean Wade stepping up on defense.
While Okoro is known for his defense, his offensive game took strides not only by aggressively attacking the basket, but also with his passing as he set a new career high in assists with seven in 25 minutes. He also was efficient, shooting 5-7 from the floor.
"For Isaac to come in, turn around and have a career high in assists, … I think that's something that you know, he's continuing to grow his game … being able to be a playmaker," Mitchell said following the win on Wednesday.
Okoro, 22, has taken advantage of the extended minutes he's had with Cavs stars Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being hurt since mid-December, showcasing his ability and growth on both sides of the court.
Cleaning the Glass
The Cavaliers outrebounded the Bucks on Wednesday by an impressive 56-36, led by Jarrett Allen and Tristan Thompson with 13 and nine rebounds respectively. While Allen has averaged 10.1 rebounds this season, Thompson has truly impressed in his veteran role off the bench.
In limited minutes this season, Thompson has been able to offer his strongest skill: his ability to rebound in droves. The 12-year veteran came off the bench and grabbed nine rebounds in just 19 minutes while anchoring the second unit and helping build and sustain the team's hot start to the game.
"That's my guy, you know, he's been great to be around here," Niang said of Thompson after the win. "Me and him really click. He's an awesome competitor, awesome leader, awesome teammate."
With Thompson not needing many minutes once Mobley returns, the veteran has demonstrated that there's more than enough fuel left in the reserves to continue giving the Cavs a spark off the bench, just as he has in the past.
What's Next?
The Cavaliers (24-15) will travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks (17-23) on Saturday night at 7:30 PM.
The 30-year-old set a new career-high in points with 33 on Wednesday.
