The Milwaukee Bucks barely edged out the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 on Wednesday, with the team needing a waived-off Jarrett Allen shot at the end of the game to seal the deal.
Allen thought he tied the game at the buzzer, but his shot was ruled off after review revealed that he didn’t launch it in time before the clock hit zero. That being said, Milwaukee was able to escape with a two-point win even amid Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence.
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The Bucks used a balanced offense to take down a Cavs team that was also without two of its best players, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Kevin Porter Jr. led the scoring for Milwaukee with 20 points, while six others scored in double figures.
Guard Ryan Rollins had a near double-double of 18 points and nine assists, while Kyle Kuzma added 17 points, four rebounds and five assists. Kuzma also powered the Bucks with his hot shooting from distance, as he went 5-of-10 from deep.
Milwaukee made 19 of its 45 shots attempted from 3-point territory, which proved crucial in its victory. In comparison, the Cavs went 12-of-40 from behind the arc.
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Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) looks on during a game.© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
(© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)
While the Bucks won, they could have scored more had it not been for an officiating mistake during the game.
The NBA revealed in its Last 2 Minute Report that there was one incorrect non-call that benefited the Cavaliers.
With 1:39 remaining and the Bucks leading 116-112, Porter started an offensive play and eventually attacked the basket. However, Cavs forward Jaylon Tyson stopped him at the rim, as Milwaukee lost possession.
According to the L2M Report, though, Tyson hit Porter during the play and should have been called for a foul. Had a foul been issued, Porter would have gotten two free throws to potentially increase the Bucks’ lead.
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“Tyson (CLE) makes contact with Porter Jr.’s (MIL) arm that affects his shot attempt,” the NBA commented.
It’s fortunate that the Bucks were able to secure the victory. Had they lost, though, the missed call would have been a frustrating development for the team.
The Bucks improved to 26-31 on the season with the win, putting them at No. 11 in the East. They are still in contention for a play-in spot, trailing the 10th-seeded Charlotte Hornets by only 1.5 games.
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Milwaukee returns to action on Friday against the New York Knicks before visiting the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
Related: NBA Champion Danny Green Offers Solution for Bucks to Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.