PHILADELPHIA – On Wednesday night, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 124-109 at the Wells Fargo Center in a physical season opener, with a lead reaching as high as 22 points in the second half.
Damian Lillard was the standout for the Bucks, scoring 30 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds. Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis Jr. each added 16 points.
The 76ers (0-1) played without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. Despite five players scoring in double figures, the team managed to shoot just over 40% overall and below 30% from the three-point range.
“We didn’t have Khris (Middleton), one of our key guys,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, addressing the absence of 76ers stars. “We’re not worried about the opponent right now. We’re focused on how we play. The first quarter took some time to find our rhythm, but once we did, we played well regardless of who was on the floor. Our guys are serious about the season, and it showed.”
The Bucks demonstrated efficiency, shooting 54.7% from the floor and 44.1% from beyond the arc.
Milwaukee (1-0) will host the Chicago Bulls for their home opener on Friday night at Fiserv Forum.
Key takeaways from the Bucks’ season opener include:
**Bucks Use Size to Overpower 76ers**
With Embiid (7-0) and George (6-8) out, the 76ers shifted Andre Drummond into the starting center position. This left them at a size disadvantage against the Bucks’ towering lineup, which includes Brook Lopez (7-1) and Antetokounmpo, who towered over their opponents.
“The game plan was exactly what we wanted,” Rivers commented. “Though we gave up some open threes and need to clean up our offensive rebounds, our bigs protected the rim. They took tough shots, and we believed they wouldn’t have enough to win with that strategy.”
Lopez contributed defensively with six blocks, while Antetokounmpo noted the physicality of the game and his need to regain his rhythm after missing significant playing time due to injury last season.
**Giannis and Damian Lillard Shine**
Rivers observed improved chemistry between Lillard and Antetokounmpo, evident in their effective pick-and-roll plays. Antetokounmpo scored 23 points on just 11 shots, while Lillard finished with 30 points. Together, they also combined for 13 assists.
“Our offense was just clicking so well,” said Lopez. The team exhibited a solid foundation built during the offseason, with Lillard’s presence positively affecting the team’s dynamics.
**Prince and Trent Make Positive Debuts**
Taurean Prince filled in for Middleton and scored 16 points, shooting 6 of 7 from the floor. “He always knows where to be,” noted Antetokounmpo, emphasizing Prince’s knack for positioning and offensive contributions.
Gary Trent Jr. struggled offensively but significantly disrupted 76ers star Tyrese Maxey, who was limited to 25 points on 31 attempts. Trent emphasized the importance of defensive pressure and teamwork to dominate the game.
**Injury Report**
Khris Middleton remains out while recovering from ankle surgeries. Embiid is sidelined due to knee management, and Paul George is recovering from a bone bruise in his knee.
The Bucks’ starting lineup featured Lillard and Trent in the backcourt, alongside Antetokounmpo and Prince as forwards, and Lopez at center. The Bucks were favored by 3.5 points heading into the game.