Darius Garland delivered a stellar 39-point game, highlighted by a decisive 3-pointer in the final 45 seconds, securing the Cleveland Cavaliers’ thrilling 116-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win not only maintained Cleveland's unbeaten run but also tied their best season start of 8-0 since the 1976-77 season. Garland was dominant from beyond the arc, shooting seven of eleven from three-point range and going fifteen for twenty-two overall. He also added eight assists, proving crucial in the Cavaliers’ late-game efforts. Center Jarrett Allen contributed with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, while Evan Mobley added 17 points, helping Cleveland continue their impressive streak.
Milwaukee struggled in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained in an earlier game against Cleveland. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 36 points and seven assists, with strong contributions from Bobby Portis and AJ Green, each scoring 21 points. Portis also pulled down an impressive 18 rebounds. Despite Lillard's strong play, Milwaukee couldn’t stop their sixth consecutive loss since their season opener victory against Philadelphia.
The Oklahoma City Thunder also remained unbeaten, taking down the Orlando Magic 102-86. Jalen Williams led OKC with 23 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 21 points. The Thunder controlled the game from the start, even leading by as much as 26 points in the second half. They shot a scorching 71 percent in the first quarter, finishing with a 13-point lead that they never relinquished. Isaiah Joe hit three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter, helping secure OKC's best start since their move to Oklahoma City in 2008.
In Philadelphia, the Phoenix Suns edged out the 76ers 118-116, with Kevin Durant’s crucial layup breaking a tie in the final seconds. Durant scored 35 points with six assists, carrying the Suns to their fifth consecutive win despite Devin Booker’s quiet night. Paul George, making his debut for Philadelphia after missing five games due to a knee injury, struggled with his shooting but made key plays alongside Tyrese Maxey, who led the 76ers with 32 points. Philadelphia’s loss, their fifth in six games, was hard-fought as they briefly held a late lead, but the Suns’ late-game surge allowed them to emerge victorious in a nail-biter.
