NBA teams face off in conference matchups and key games

Milwaukee defeated Miami 128-117 on Tuesday, marking their fourth win in five games, led by Kevin Porter Jr.’s 32 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Ryan Rollins and Bobby Portis each contributed 21 points for the Bucks, who are 7-2 in their last nine games without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Norman Powell led Miami with 26 points. Milwaukee built a 12-point lead in the second quarter before a Miami run tied the game, but the Bucks led 63-58 at halftime. Miami took a lead into the fourth, but Milwaukee responded with a game-winning run, fueled by three straight 3-pointers and a 12-1 stretch to secure the victory. On Wednesday, the Bucks continued their winning streak, defeating a short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers team 118-116. Porter Jr. again led the way with 20 points, while Ryan Rollins added 18. Despite a late attempt to tie the game at the buzzer, Cleveland’s basket was ruled to have come after time expired. The Cavaliers were without James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley.