Mobley and Harden Combine for 54 Points to Defeat the Bucks

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a valuable victory on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks (123-116) Tuesday night, thanks to exceptional performances from Evan Mobley and James Harden, who each scored 27 points. The win brings the Cavs’ record to 42 wins and 27 losses.

Milwaukee was playing without its two stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, and Myles Turner, dealing with a right calf injury. This marked the 32nd game missed this season by the Greek two-time MVP, a personal record, bringing the Bucks’ record without him to 11 wins and 21 losses.

Another great night for James Harden in a Cavs uniform!

27 PTS
6 AST
7-10 FG pic.twitter.com/4fH8SFLo84

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) March 18, 2026

Mobley Dominates in the Paint, Harden Finds His Efficiency

Evan Mobley delivered a complete performance with 27 points, 15 rebounds (his season high), and 3 blocks. The Cavaliers center perfectly exploited his team’s physical advantage in the paint, completely dominating Jericho Sims and taking advantage of the opposing frontcourt’s weakness.

James Harden rediscovered his legendary offensive efficiency, scoring 27 points on just 10 field goal attempts, along with 6 assists and 5 rebounds. The veteran guard excelled in his ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.

James Harden on Evan Mobley’s 27/15:

« He should’ve had 35/20 but I’ll take it. Just being aggressive on both ends of the basketball. He’s our anchor defensively. » 😭
pic.twitter.com/JBknoSALzs

— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) March 18, 2026

The game was tight with 11 ties and 16 lead changes. Cleveland took control for good on a 3-pointer by Sam Merrill with 6 minutes and 55 seconds remaining (103-100), triggering an 8-0 run. Despite a response from the Bucks led by Kevin Porter Jr. (25 points, 10 assists), the Cavaliers answered with another 7-0 run to secure the victory.

Donovan Mitchell had a difficult night with just 19 points on 4/14 shooting, but Sam Merrill (17 points) and Max Strus provided valuable contributions in key moments. Milwaukee fought hard thanks to excellent 3-point shooting (20/45) and bench dominance (57-24), but the Cavaliers compensated with their superiority at the free-throw line (27/34 vs. 12/17).

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This victory allows Cleveland to bounce back after their loss to the Mavericks and maintain pressure on Boston and New York in the playoff race, with 13 games remaining in the regular season.