The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to the winning track Tuesday, November 7, when they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks at the Quicken Loans Arena, 124-119. Before the victory, Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue discussed the drastic move the Bucks recently accomplished.
On Tuesday, the Bucks completed a trade that saw them obtain Eric Bledsoe from the Phoenix Suns. In exchange for Bledsoe, the Bucks shipped Greg Monroe and protected 2018 picks (first- and second-rounders) to Phoenix.
In a report by Cleveland.com, Lue praised Bledsoe ahead of the Cavaliers' home win.
Lue complimented Bledsoe's game while adding that the guard was close to being named an All-Star in the past three seasons. The one-time NBA champion coach also said that Bledsoe "brings a different dimension" to the Bucks. Overall, Lue believes that the Bucks improved with the addition of the 27-year-old point guard.
Potential contributions
Eric Bledsoe has yet to play a game for the Milwaukee Bucks, but he is already expected to help the rising star of the franchise, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Aside from aiding the Greek Freak, especially on offense, many are hoping Bledsoe can provide veteran leadership. That is something the Bucks need since they have a lot of developing prospects on the roster.
In an interview with ESPN after the trade materialized, Bledsoe sounded eager to don the Bucks jersey. The 18th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft shared that he and his family are excited about him starting a new chapter in his career.
Cavs edge Bucks
Unfortunately for the Milwaukee Bucks, they did not have Eric Bledsoe yet when they took on the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday.
The Bucks fell to the Cavaliers despite a near double-double performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 40 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and four blocks. Malcolm Brogdon (22 points), Khris Middleton (20 points, 11 dimes), and Mirza Teletovic (16 points) did their best to assist Antetokounmpo, but their efforts came up short.
For Tyronn Lue and his Cavaliers, Kevin Love shined the brightest with 32 points and 16 boards. The 29-year-old had three assists, two steals, and a block as well. Similar to Love, LeBron James stuffed the stat sheet for the Cavaliers. The four-time league MVP recorded 30 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, with three steals. J.R. Smith had his best outing so far this season as he registered 20 points, and he scored 15 of them from beyond the arc.
