Bucks edge Cavaliers 118-116 in Milwaukee as three-point shooting outweighs Cleveland rebounding advantage

Milwaukee closes late to win a tight Central Division matchup at Fiserv Forum

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-116 on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, in a game defined by a narrow late margin and sharply different scoring profiles.

Cleveland entered the night with a 37-22 record and left at 37-23 after being outscored 25-22 in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee improved to 26-31 with the two-point victory.

How the game was decided

The Bucks’ perimeter efficiency proved decisive in a contest where Cleveland controlled many of the possession indicators. Milwaukee made 19 of 45 three-pointers (42.2%), while the Cavaliers hit 12 of 40 (30.0%). Overall, the Bucks shot 48-of-88 from the field (54.5%), compared with Cleveland’s 42-of-87 (48.3%).

Cleveland countered by winning the battle on the glass and generating extra chances. The Cavaliers finished with 53 total rebounds to Milwaukee’s 42 and collected 16 offensive rebounds to the Bucks’ eight. The teams were even in assists (28 each), steals (seven each) and blocks (two each), and both committed double-digit turnovers (Cleveland 11, Milwaukee 13).

Key individual performances

Center Jarrett Allen led Cleveland with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Dennis Schröder added 26 points and five assists as Cleveland leaned on half-court creation during key stretches.

For Milwaukee, Kevin Porter Jr. posted a 20-point, eight-rebound, five-assist line in a balanced performance that helped the Bucks withstand Cleveland’s second-chance pressure. Milwaukee’s advantage from three-point range supplied the scoring cushion necessary to offset a limited number of free-throw attempts.

By the numbers: free throws and fouls

The foul and free-throw totals underscored the game’s stylistic contrast. Cleveland attempted 27 free throws and made 20 (74.1%). Milwaukee took only five free throws, making three (60.0%). The Bucks were whistled for 20 fouls, while Cleveland committed 10.

Game context and what it means next

• Final score: Bucks 118, Cavaliers 116.

• Quarter scores: Cleveland 33-30-31-22; Milwaukee 33-29-31-25.

• Records after the game: Cleveland 37-23; Milwaukee 26-31.

In a two-possession game, Milwaukee’s 19 made threes and 54.5% overall shooting offset Cleveland’s rebound edge and higher free-throw volume.