Deadspin: New-look Bucks aim to shake slow start against Cavaliers

Bucks seek a reset

Milwaukee lost 132-100 at home to Houston on Wednesday, its fourth defeat in five games under Jenkins. Tyler Herro scored 23 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 19, leading the team in a difficult night.

Jaquez, averaging 17.8 points and 7.2 rebounds, said the team needed to prepare better for challenging stretches. He also cautioned that the recent victory over Indiana was only one game, with another contest quickly ahead.

Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner and Ryan Rollins made six of 27 shots combined, and none of their 10 three-point attempts went in. Jenkins said he had not prepared the team well enough and credited Houston’s performance.

Cleveland lets lead slip

The Cavaliers fell 114-111 to Atlanta on Thursday after surrendering a 15-point advantage. Donovan Mitchell missed two contested three-pointers on Cleveland’s final possession. James Harden scored a season-high 24 points on seven-for-14 shooting, while Sam Merrill recorded 16 points. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said Atlanta’s three-point shooting and rebounding contributed to the loss.

The defeat came in the second half of consecutive games for Cleveland, following a 121-111 win over Washington on Wednesday. The Cavaliers had rallied to win all three games on their preceding homestand.

Road record and availability

Cleveland is 0-2 away from home after reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season. Atkinson said the team had yet to put together a complete 48-minute performance, while expressing confidence in the group.

Rookie Meleek Thomas is questionable with right foot soreness after missing the Atlanta game. He scored 16 points in 19 minutes during his NBA debut on Monday, helping Cleveland beat Minnesota in overtime.