Last-gasp score maintains Cleveland’s unbeaten start
Donovan Mitchell’s basket with less than one second remaining ensured the Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their unbeaten start to the NBA season with a dramatic 114-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks were seemingly on course for the win when Damian Lillard’s jumper put them in front with 10 seconds left.
But Mitchell’s late reply nudged the Cavs ahead again, before an attempted buzzer-beater from Lillard bounced off the backboard in a thrilling finish.
The win means Cleveland stay top of the Eastern Conference with a perfect 7-0 record – their best start since 1976 – while the Bucks are second from bottom with five defeats from six games.
“That’s a big win. They played their behinds off,” said Mitchell, who finished with 30 points, four assists and three rebounds. “As a group, we just continue to fight and claw.”
Lillard top-scored in reply for the Bucks with 41 points, nine assists and four rebounds, while Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 34 points and 16 rebounds.
“I’ve been in the league 13 years and I’ve had my share of rough nights, ups and downs, individually and as a team,” said Lillard.
“The only way to go from there is back to work and keep your mind right and try not to think about it too much.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder remain the only other unbeaten side in the league after beating the Los Angeles Clippers 105-92 to stay top of the Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scored with 25 points and nine assists as the Thunder open the season with six straights wins for the first time in its history.
Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren all hit double figures for Oklahoma City, who have won all of their six games by at least 12 points.
Among the night’s other results, Nikola Jokic’s 27 points helped the Denver Nuggets to their first home win of the season as they beat the Utah Jazz 129-103. The Jazz remain the only winless side in the NBA.
And defending champions the Bolton Celtics made it six wins from seven with a 113-103 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
