The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 124-109 at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night in a dominant season opener, leading by as much as 22 points during the game.
Damian Lillard scored 30 points to lead the Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo contributing 23 points and 14 rebounds. Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis Jr. added 16 points each as the Bucks improved to 1-0.
Philadelphia, playing without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, had five players score in double figures but struggled overall, hitting just over 40% of their shots and under 30% from three-point range.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers commented on the absence of key players for the 76ers, saying, “We’re not worried about the opponent right now. We’re more worried about how we play.” He praised the team’s focus and execution throughout the game.
Milwaukee displayed impressive shooting, finishing with a 54.7% shooting rate and 44.1% from beyond the arc. The Bucks will host the Chicago Bulls for their home opener on Friday.
Bucks’ size was a significant factor in the matchup, as the 76ers were without their star center, allowing Milwaukee’s taller players to dominate inside. Brook Lopez, standing at 7-1, registered 10 points and six blocks while effectively protecting the rim.
Antetokounmpo commented on the physical nature of the game, noting, “You gotta be patient, you gotta keep on making the right play,” while also acknowledging his need to regain rhythm after a long absence.
The chemistry between Antetokounmpo and Lillard was evident as they navigated the court with ease in pick-and-roll plays. Both players contributed to the team’s success, with Lillard finishing with 30 points and Antetokounmpo scoring efficiently. Together, they dished out 13 assists.
Newcomer Taurean Prince stepped in for injured Khris Middleton and impressed with 16 points on just seven attempts, showcasing his ability to find open shots. Gary Trent Jr., now the starting shooting guard, played strong defense against Tyrese Maxey, limiting his effectiveness throughout the game.
The Bucks’ strategy focused on a tough defensive approach, forcing Philadelphia into difficult shots and capitalizing on mismatches to build their lead. The victory sets a promising tone for Milwaukee’s season as they look to build on this strong performance.