Cavaliers beat Bucks 123-116 in Milwaukee as Evan Mobley and James Harden share scoring lead

Cleveland closes strong to take road win

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 123-116 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Fiserv Forum, using a decisive fourth-quarter surge to open a three-game road trip with a win.

Cleveland led 37-24 after the first quarter, trailed at halftime (58-57), then outscored Milwaukee 38-29 in the final period to secure the seven-point victory. The Cavaliers’ largest lead reached 15 points, while the Bucks led by as many as five.

Mobley’s interior impact, Harden’s efficiency set the tone

Evan Mobley and James Harden each scored 27 points to lead Cleveland. Mobley added a season-high 15 rebounds, providing sustained pressure in the paint and on the glass. Harden produced his 27 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 11-of-13 at the free-throw line, while also recording six assists.

Donovan Mitchell scored 19 points and got to the free-throw line 13 times, while Sam Merrill added 17 points on three 3-pointers. Dean Wade finished with nine points.

Milwaukee leans on Porter Jr.; 3-point edge not enough

Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 25 points and 10 assists, carrying much of the half-court creation. Ryan Rollins scored 19, and Bobby Portis added 19 off the bench with nine rebounds. AJ Green scored 13, and Ousmane Dieng contributed 19 points on five made 3-pointers.

Milwaukee’s most efficient edge came from long range: the Bucks made 20 of 45 3-point attempts (44.4%), compared with Cleveland’s 12 of 36 (33.3%). However, Cleveland’s advantages at the line and on the boards proved more influential late.

Key statistical story: free throws and rebounding

• Free throws: Cleveland attempted 34 and made 27 (79.4%); Milwaukee attempted 17 and made 12 (70.6%).

• Rebounding: Cleveland held a 46-39 overall advantage.

• Turnovers: Cleveland committed seven; Milwaukee had eight.

Cleveland matched Milwaukee’s overall field-goal efficiency (42 made baskets apiece) but created more scoring chances through free throws and extra possessions.

Where the teams stood after the game

The win moved Cleveland to 42-27. Milwaukee fell to 28-40. In the season series between the teams, Cleveland finished 3-1 against Milwaukee.