The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t appear to be the best team in the NBA today. For them, it was all about striving against the Charlotte Hornets. A fiery run in the fourth quarter saw the makings of a potential upset being. However, the Cavs played as if the one loss would change the course of their season, which so far has been nearly faultless. No matter what happened, they rose— through any means possible.

From a performance perspective, this wasn’t the game the Cavaliers would celebrate. They attempted 51 free throws, arguably a major reason they won against the young Hornets team. So after the game, Donovan Mitchell represented those feelings. Although glad they found ways to win, the Cavaliers shining guard wasn’t pleased. His displeasure started with calling out his own performance.“I think we were just a step behind today. Started with me. I mean it’s tough man. We’re winning games, but I’m always going to hold this to a high standard myself included… I’m more pissed at myself than anything else. But I think we all kind of felt like we had some slippage today and I’m not just mad at the free throws, but I mean that’s just had some slippage today and it can’t happen,” Mitchell said about the game.

The Cavaliers lost their worst field goal percentage (42.1%) in a win this season against the Hornets. But aside from their errors, Spida Mitchell admitted to being impressed with the Hornets’ resolve. “I want all respect over there they did a lot of positive things,” said the Cavs keystone.

Despite the Cavaliers failing to uphold their benchmark, they delivered in the big moments. Evan Mobley hit a huge three-pointer to tie the game and De’Andre Hunter made plays on both ends of the floor to secure the victory. And now, like any other successful team, with the game behind them, they are looking forward to the next challenge. After all, their next matchup isn’t going to be against a bottom-standing team like the Hornets; it will be difficult.

The Greek Freak stands in the Cavaliers’ way next

The last two games have been now less of a scuffle for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have won both the games by a combined 6 points. But both the Heat and the Hornets have been shaky since the All-Star break. That isn’t the case for the Milwaukee Bucks. They have won eight out of their last 10 games, winning by a margin of nearly 10 points.

And it’s no surprise that Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo do the heavy lifting. They have both been averaging over 25 points on the same stretch. However, the Cavs know to stop the Bucks’ unloading their terror onto them, the main task is to contain the threat of the Greek Freak.

And they trust their coach Kenny Atkinson to have a plan ready.

“That’s going to be a big one. They’re a good team right now and we got to lock in. Can’t have no slow starts and throughout the whole game just playing good defense. Protecting the paint, especially against Giannis. He wants to get downhill. So I’m sure coach is going to come up with a good game plan and we got to stick with that,” Evan Mobley revealed.

Having won thirteen straight games, Mobley and the Cavaliers are well aware of how teams are looking at them. “They want to end our streak right now so they’re going to come out and play their hardest and we got to match that energy,” said the Cavs forward who is a favorite to win DPOY.

And he is imminent to face up against arguably one of the most brutal challenges. When it comes to playing in the paint, Giannis Antetokounmpo has an entire arsenal. He is ferocious, with a quick drive capable of breaking down defenses. And with how well the Bucks have been shooting the ball, the Cavaliers will need to be sharp.

They are yet to lose to the Bucks in three games. However, two of the games were only separated by a total of 3 points. Hence, it’s a seismic battle that will take place. With both teams on fire, it could go in any direction.