Tue Nov 18 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Antetokounmpo Injured as Cavaliers Beat Bucks in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH – The Milwaukee Bucks’ inconsistent season continued tonight with a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, further hampered by an injury to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Cavaliers prevailed, continuing the Bucks’ pattern of alternating wins and losses.

Antetokounmpo left the game with 3:03 remaining in the first half, committing an intentional foul and heading straight to the locker room. He was later ruled out with a left groin strain. At the time of his departure, the game was tied at 49. Antetokounmpo had scored 14 points in just 13 minutes before the injury.

The Bucks started strong, jumping out to an 11-2 lead and closing the first quarter with a 33-26 advantage. Antetokounmpo was a key factor, contributing 11 points and 4 assists in the opening minutes. The Bucks capitalized on turnovers, scoring eight points off five Cavaliers miscues.

However, the Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting, battled back and took a 59-57 lead into halftime.

Adding to the Bucks’ challenges, head coach Doc Rivers recently shook up the starting lineup, moving Gary Trent Jr. to the bench and inserting Kyle Kuzma. Trent, who had started the first 12 games, has accepted the change, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success in whatever role he’s assigned.

“Whatever my teammates need me to do to try to help winning…everybody has to step into a role for the benefit of the team,” Trent said.

The Cavaliers were without their own All-Star guard Darius Garland, who is still managing a toe injury that has sidelined him for most of the season.

This marks the second loss this season for the Bucks against the Cavaliers, who previously defeated them in Milwaukee on October 26th. The Bucks have yet to suffer consecutive losses this season, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for the next game despite his left knee pain.

Cleveland was a 7.5-point favorite going into the game, with the over/under set at 235.5 points, according to BetMGM.

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