Damian Lillard wasted no time making an impact for the Milwaukee Bucks, pouring in 30 points to lead his new team to a commanding 124-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
It was the season opener for both teams, and Damian Lillard looked right at home in his first game with Milwaukee, showcasing his trademark scoring ability and leadership.
Giannis Antetokounmpo added a strong 25-point performance, hitting 8-of-11 shots while hauling in 14 rebounds and dishing out seven assists. Milwaukee’s supporting cast stepped up as well, with Bobby Portis delivering 16 points off the bench on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, and Taurean Prince knocking down 4-of-5 from beyond the arc to match Portis’ 16 points.
Philadelphia, playing without both Joel Embiid and Paul George due to knee injuries, struggled to keep pace despite a valiant effort from Tyrese Maxey, who led the 76ers with 25 points but shot just 10-of-31 from the field. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 21 points, and Andre Drummond chipped in with 10 points and 13 rebounds, but the Sixers couldn’t match Milwaukee’s firepower.
The game remained tight early, with Philadelphia clinging to a one-point lead after the first quarter. However, Milwaukee’s defense stiffened, and the offense caught fire. The Bucks outscored the 76ers 58-47 by halftime and exploded for 42 points in the third quarter, with Damian Lillard dropping 15 in the period to effectively put the game out of reach.
