Bucks’ Domination: Lillard and Giannis Shine in Season Opener

The Milwaukee Bucks opened the season with a convincing 124-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night. The Bucks surged ahead in the second half, leading by as much as 22 points during the game.

Damian Lillard was the standout player for Milwaukee, scoring 30 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds. Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis Jr. both added 16 points to the Bucks’ total.

The 76ers, missing star players Joel Embiid and Paul George, couldn’t find their rhythm, finishing the game with just over 40% shooting from the field and under 30% from three-point range, despite having five players score in double figures.

Milwaukee shot an impressive 54.7% from the field, including 44.1% from beyond the arc while their starters were on the court. The Bucks will host Chicago for their home opener on Friday at Fiserv Forum.

Key takeaways from the Bucks’ opening night include:

The Bucks leveraged their size against the 76ers, whose lineup was considerably smaller without Embiid and George. This disadvantage allowed Milwaukee to dominate the paint, particularly through players like Brook Lopez, who scored 10 points and recorded six blocks. The Bucks’ height gave them a significant edge, especially in slowing down the 76ers’ attacks.

The emerging chemistry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard was evident, as they executed several efficient pick-and-roll plays. Both scored effectively, with Antetokounmpo taking only 11 shots for his 23 points and Lillard finishing with 30 points on 19 attempts, while collectively providing 13 assists.

Newcomers Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. made notable impacts in their debuts. Prince started for an injured Khris Middleton and showcased his shooting, making his first four three-pointers and finishing with 16 points. Meanwhile, Trent took on the challenging defensive role against Tyrese Maxey, who struggled to find his shot, ultimately taking 31 attempts to score 25 points.

Notable stats include Lopez’s six blocks, 27 assists on 43 made field goals for the Bucks, and a key 21-9 scoring run in the second quarter that shifted the momentum in Milwaukee’s favor.

The game was broadcast on ESPN, with a commentary team that included Mike Breen and Doris Burke. Following the season opener, the Bucks face a stretch of four games in six days, making it crucial for Khris Middleton, who is recovering from ankle surgeries, to return to practice soon.

Joel Embiid and Paul George were officially ruled out for the game due to injuries, with the 76ers planning to manage their stars’ health throughout the season.

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