NBA wrap: Giannis Antetokounmpo double-double helps Bucks survive late Cavs rally

The Bucks got a number of players back Tuesday, leading to a big win over the Cavaliers.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates with Khris Middleton (22) after making a basket and being fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Finally starting to get healthy, the Bucks outlasted the Cavaliers 119-116 at home Tuesday despite a late Cleveland rally.

Milwaukee held a 15-point lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Cavs went on a quick 24-7 run to take the lead in the fourth quarter. It appeared the Bucks would drop another close game against an elite foe, but it did enough to hold on in the end.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks by flirting with a triple-double. He scored 27 points with 14 rebounds and eight assists. Eric Bledsoe added 26 points, and Khris Middleton scored 18 points with 10 rebounds.

The Bucks received good news before the game even started, learning Matthew Dellavedova and Tony Snell would return from injury. Jabari Parker was also recalled to the roster after recovering from a torn ACL in February.

LeBron James led the Cavs with 39 points and seven assists. But he secured just one rebound and coughed the ball up seven times. Kevin Love added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavs, but they dug themselves into too big a hole.

The Bucks (16-13) moved to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with the win, while Cleveland (23-9) remained second.

Stud of the Night

Anthony Davis proved he was healthy by scoring a game-high 37 points with nine rebounds in a 116-106 loss to the Wizards. DeMarcus Cousins added 26 points and 13 rebounds, but Washington had six players in double figures to pull out the win.

Dud of the Night

With Joel Embiid out for the second straight game, 76ers forward Robert Covington found himself with a golden opportunity to shine. He did not, however, scoring 17 points on 5-of-19 shooting with just three rebounds and four turnovers in a 101-95 home loss to the Kings.

Highlight

Vince Carter is definitely still in the NBA:

VINSANITY with the QB pass!#SacramentoProudpic.twitter.com/YLLD9y5aNB

— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2017

 

What's Next

Heat (15-15) at Celtics (26-7) Having watched the Cavs fall late, the Celtics may be energized to pick up a win. Miami hasn't really been able to get anything going this season, but Goran Dragic is an underrated leader. Kyrie Irving is over his early-season shooting woes. He now just needs someone else to step up alongside him.