PHILADELPHIA — In a thrilling season opener, the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 124-109 on Wednesday night. Damian Lillard was a standout player, contributing 30 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 to lead the Bucks to victory.
During the game, Lillard showcased his scoring ability, especially in the third quarter where he netted 15 points, finishing the night with six three-pointers, nine rebounds, and five assists. Antetokounmpo, shooting an impressive 8 for 11 from the field, also excelled on the boards, grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds. The Bucks demonstrated depth in their offense, with six players scoring in double figures.
Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis each contributed 16 points as the Bucks showcased their shooting prowess with a total of 16 three-pointers. On the other hand, Tyrese Maxey led the scoring for Philadelphia with 25 points, while Andre Drummond posted a notable double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers were missing their star players, Joel Embiid and Paul George, due to knee injuries, impacting their performance.
A significant aspect of Milwaukee’s game plan involved the pick-and-roll strategy executed by Lillard and Brook Lopez. They frequently set the picks beyond the three-point line, giving Lillard ample space to craft plays. This offensive strategy effectively stretched the 76ers’ defense.
Guerschon Yabusele made his return to the NBA after a five-year hiatus, previously playing abroad. He made a valuable contribution off the bench for the 76ers, scoring 10 points while also rounding up four rebounds, providing three assists, and collecting three steals over 25 minutes of play.
The game turned in the second quarter when the Bucks mounted a 25-12 run within just six minutes. Bobby Portis was crucial during this stretch, performing a sequence of plays that included a blocked shot, a defensive rebound, an assist to Taurean Prince, a steal, and a running layup to extend Milwaukee’s lead.
Right from the start, Lillard and Antetokounmpo established themselves as the first duo in Bucks history to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a season opener.
Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to host the Chicago Bulls for their home opener on Friday. Concurrently, the 76ers will head to Toronto for their next match.