Giannis Antetokounmpo came close to recording a triple-double, but his effort wasn’t enough to carry the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers held off a late surge to secure a 118-113 win in their home opener of the 2025-26 NBA season.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO TONIGHT:
40 POINTS
14 REBOUNDS
9 ASSISTS
2 STEALS
2 BLOCKS
14/20 FGM
33 MINUTES pic.twitter.com/j4V0iw2NLK
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 27, 2025
Listed as probable with a left toe sprain, the 30-year-old forward suited up and made the most of his 33 minutes on the floor. Giannis exploded for 40 points on 14-of-20 shooting, knocking down a three-pointer along the way. He grabbed 14 rebounds to notch a double-double and came one assist short of a triple-double with nine. He also added two blocks and two steals, impacting the game on both ends.
The Bucks cut the gap to 83-82 late in the third quarter on a Taurean Prince layup, but the Cavaliers quickly countered, extending their lead to 98-88 after a Hunter three-pointer with 9:01 left. Milwaukee battled right back, stringing together a 10-0 run capped by a Rollins dunk to even the score at 98.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks fall to the Cavs
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland regained control with a 7-0 surge, starting with a stepback jumper from Hunter, followed by a Lonzo Ball three-pointer and a smooth midrange shot from Donovan Mitchell to extend the lead to 105-98. The Bucks mounted one last rally, trimming the gap to 114-112 after a Green three-pointer with 4.2 seconds left, but Evan Mobley sealed the game at the line, draining four straight free throws to shut the door.
Donovan Mitchell took charge in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 24 points to help Cleveland hold on for the win. Evan Mobley turned in a strong all-around game with 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Sam Merrill added 17 off the bench.
De’Andre Hunter made his season debut after recovering from a bruised right knee and contributed 16 points. Meanwhile, All-Star guard Darius Garland remains sidelined as he continues to recover from offseason surgery on his left big toe.
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard De’Andre Hunter (12) and forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) defend Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
For the Bucks, AJ Green led the supporting cast with 20 points, while Ryan Rollins added 14 points and eight assists in a solid effort off the bench.
The Bucks played short-handed, missing point guard Cole Anthony due to illness and power forward Kyle Kuzma because of a sprained left ankle. Both had suited up in Friday’s 122-116 win over the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks entered the matchup as one of six unbeaten teams in the league.