Brandon Jennings shines; Milwaukee Bucks squeak past Cleveland Cavaliers 113-112 in overtime - NBA
Friday night had its share of overtime thrillers.
At Amway Centre Florida, the home team Orlando Magic tasted bitter defeat at the hands of Atlanta Hawks in the extra time and in another exciting thriller, Milwaukee Bucks subdued the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-112.
A high scoring and competitive four quarters ended with both teams levelled at 102 all and the game headed into overtime. Bucks started the extra time dominantly with a crucial 6-2 run to get ahead 108-104 and then maintained the lead in the ensuing passage.
With less than 5 seconds remaining in the first extra time, the Bucks had turned the game in their favour at 113-109. Cavaliers Alonzo Gee drilled one from downtown to make it 112-113, however unfortunately for the Cavs, there was simply not enough time left to complete the comeback.
Brandon Jennings, who recently hinted at leaving the Bucks in future for big market teams, was yet again the best player from the side. He pounded 24 points on 6 for 7 from the charity stripe, 5 boards and 8 assists. Before the game, Jennings also clarified the statement he gave to ESPN about leaving the team.
"It's nothing to be worried about," said Jennings, who is under contract through next season. "It kind of got blown out of proportion a little bit. I never said I was leaving. After being in this a couple years, I understand the business of basketball.”
Others players played the supporting role to perfection as well.
Drew Gooden accumulated 19 points on 6 for 13 from the floor and 6 boards while Shaun Livingston drained 13 points. Reserves Ersan Ilyasova and Mike Dunleavy both amassed 12 points each whereas Stephen Jackson added 10 points.
Antawn Jamison was superb and marshalled the Cavs with a season high 34 points on 14 for 21 from the floor and 11 boards. Alonzo tallied 18 points on 3 for 5 from the long range while Daniel Gibson netted 17 points along with 6 boards and 8 assists. Ramon Sessions put up an all round show and finished with 12 points and an impressive 16 assists. Cavaliers missed their rookie Kyrie Irving in this game, who was rested in this game because of sickness.
The Cavs held the upper hand in shooting, knocking 48.9% from the floor in contrast to 40.8% from the Bucks, however they committed way too many turnovers (17), which allowed easy points in transition to Bucks.
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