A Christmas Day tuneup did not go as planned for the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, losing their matchup to the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106.
The Bucks were doomed by a slow start to the game, ending the first quarter in a 35-20 hole they could not dig out of. Giannis Antetokounmpo kept it close for the Bucks, scoring 45 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Only two other players reached double figures for the Bucks in the loss. Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points, and Darius Garland added 24 points for the Cavaliers in the victory.
The Bucks will play the Nets on Friday before they play in Boston on Christmas Day.