Bucks Survive Late Rally by Cleveland to Win Third Straight Game

The Bucks hadn’t won a game in Cleveland Cavaliers since 2003, but Milwaukee snapped that streak Tuesday night by defeating the Cavs 111-107. In doing so, the Bucks won their third straight game in the process of climbing into sole possession of second place in the Central Division, just a half game behind the pace of the Detroit Pistons.

Milwaukee trailed early on in the game by as many as 14 points, but closed the gap to four by halftime. The third quarter then became the Michael Redd show, scoring 13 straight points through one stretch, including a rare four-point play by getting fouled during a three-pointer. Redd finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He also reached the foul line an incredible 20 times in the game, making 15 of them.

Charlie Villanueva came of the bench to give the Bucks a much needed lift by scoring 17 points and grabbing nine boards. Villanueva seems to have found his way recently by no longer jacking up a ton of jump shots but instead taking it hard to the hole and it appears that coach Larry Krystkowiak seems to be taking notice. For the second straight game Coach K has played Villanueva in the fourth quarter instead of rookie Yi Jianlian. However, it’s not a knock on Yi as Villanueva is simply playing to his ability that convince General Manager Larry Harris to trade T.J. Ford for him two summers ago.

Andrew Bogut also is starting to establish himself as a defensive presence by blocking four shots in the game. He also had 12 points and five rebounds in the game. The game was Bogut’s third straight game with four blocks while still keeping his ability to take the charge that he has shown in his first two seasons.

The big surprise in the game, however, was point guard Royal Ivey, who scored 15 points off the bench on 6-of-7 shooting. Ivey was signed in the off-season for defensive purposes, but he could be a major boost to the Bucks if he can become a consistent scorer.

The Bucks seemingly had the game won, leading 107-98 with only 75 seconds left in the game, but Cleveland ran off six straight points to bring to score to 107-104 with nine seconds left but free throws down the stretch put the game away for Milwaukee.