MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo came back from a two-game absence and scored 27 points on his 27th birthday to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-104.
The two-time MVP also had 12 rebounds in his return from a sore right calf as the defending NBA champs won for the 10th time in 11 games. The Bucks (16-9) split the two games they played without Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee's Jrue Holiday had 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Jarrett Allen led the Cavs (13-12) with 25 points and nine rebounds while shooting 10 of 12, although he had his streak of double-doubles snapped at seven games.
Down by 10 heading into the fourth quarter, Cleveland was able to trim the deficit to one, but Antetokounmpo overcame a slow start to put up 15 points in the final period. While Allen was efficient as ever, the remainder of the offense combined to shoot only 32% from the field.
The Cavaliers have lost two in a row after a four-game winning streak, and will return home to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Wednesday night for a tilt with the division-leading Chicago Bulls.
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