CLEVELAND -- With LeBron James (sore left knee) and Kevin Love (back spasms) sidelined with injuries, the Milwaukee Bucks had little trouble dispatching the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on New Year's Eve.
Brandon Knight led the visitors' balanced charge with 26 points while O.J. Mayo added 15 as the Bucks beat the Cavs, 98-80. Giannis Antetokounmpo got 14 for Milwaukee while Johnny O'Bryant III and Khris Middleton finished with nine points each.
Without James and Love, the Bucks quickly jumped to a 44-27 lead in the 6:25 mark of the second quarter. The Bucks then held the Cavaliers to seven third quarter points to build a 71-54 bubble entering the fourth period.
"We prepared for their main guys, but honestly, it made us a little focused when we found out that they weren't going to have LeBron. We knew their other guys will came out and play hard. No matter who is on the court, our principles never change. Guys are always ready to play," Knight told ESPN.
After winning only 15 games last season, the Bucks now have 17 victories against 16 losses, putting them in 6th place in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs, who dropped to 18-14, remain in 5th place in the East.
Kyrie Irving led Clveland with 25 points and four assists and Matthew Delavedova contributed 11.
Photo: Brandon Knight (L) was superb with 26 points to lead the Bucks to a 98-80 win over the Cavaliers in Cleveland on New Year's Eve.
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