Mitchell's last-second jumper helps Cavs stay unbeaten with 114-113 win at Milwaukee

Mitchell’s last-second jumper helps Cavs stay unbeaten with 114-113 win at Milwaukee

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Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell troes to get past Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo passes to Damian Lillard in front of Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to get past Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis tries to get past Cleveland Cavaliers’ Georges Niang during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Isaac Okoro during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after making a shot and being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after making a shot and being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after making a shot and being fouled during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

By STEVE MEGARGEE

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points including a jumper with three-tenths of a second left and the Cleveland Cavaliers remained unbeaten with a 114-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

The 7-0 Cavaliers are one win away from matching their best start in franchise history. They won their first eight games in 1976-77.

Milwaukee has lost five straight since winning its opener. The Bucks wasted a brilliant performance from Damian Lillard, who had 41 points with nine assists and shot 10 of 15 from 3-point range.

Lillard had put Milwaukee ahead by hitting a step-back jumper with 9.8 seconds remaining.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks.

The Bucks played without Khris Middleton, who hasn’t yet made his season debut as he recovers from surgery on his ankles.

Takeaways

Cavaliers: Cleveland showed its gumption by winning at less than full strength one night after beating the Orlando Magic 120-109 at home. Cleveland was missing Caris LeVert due to a sore right knee.

Bucks: After shooting a combined 17 of 73 on 3-point attempts in losses at Boston and Memphis, the Bucks were 18 of 39 from beyond the arc Saturday. Their hot start from long range helped them build a 16-point first-quarter lead. In the end, Lillard and Antetokounmpo didn’t get enough help. The Bucks need more from Gary Trent Jr., who scored three points in 34 minutes.

Not PARSE.LY: Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavaliers’ unexpected 17-1 start to season also produces unexpected star: reserve guard Ty Jerome

Mitchell’s 26 points help Cavs improve to 17-1, stay perfect at home with 122-108 win over Raptors

Cavs never trail in 128-100 rout of Pelicans

Key moment

After Lillard put Milwaukee ahead, Cleveland called timeout. Evan Mobley inbounded a pass to Mitchell, who caught it while barely avoiding a backcourt violation. Mitchell briefly lost control of the ball, but regained possession in 3-point range, dribbled inside the arc and hit a 19-footer.

Key stat

Lillard’s 10 3-pointers were his most since joining the Bucks last season. His 41 points were two off his best total as a Buck.

Up next

The teams meet again Monday in Cleveland.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba