Damian Lillard Leads Milwaukee Bucks Over Philadelphia 76ers”/>
DAMIAN Lillard scored 30 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 124-109 in the NBA season opener at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Thursday (24/11) WIB.
Lillard was impressive by contributing 15 points in the third quarter, including six three-pointers, nine rebounds and five assists.
Antetokounmpo dominated under the basket with a game-high 14 rebounds, plus eight shots on 11 attempts.
Quoting the NBA website, the Bucks also received significant contributions from Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis, who each contributed 16 points.
Six Bucks players recorded double-digit points and a total of 16 three-pointers.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 25 points, while Andre Drummond added 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Sixers were without their star duo, Joel Embiid and Paul George, due to knee injuries. Without both, the Sixers had difficulty keeping up with the Bucks.
The Bucks led in the second quarter 25-12 in a span of six minutes. Bobby Portis became a key player by making blocks, defensive rebounds, assists, stealing the ball, and scoring layups that widened the Bucks’ lead.
The Bucks utilized pick and roll tactics between Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez, often starting outside the three-point line.
Lopez even made some picks around half court, giving Lillard space and time to create offensive opportunities.
Guerschon Yabusele returned to the NBA for the first time since 2019. He had 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in 25 minutes of action for the Sixers.
Lillard and Antetokounmpo also made history as the first pair of Bucks teammates to both score at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in a season opener.
Next, the Bucks will play their first home match against the Chicago Bulls, next Saturday (26/10), while the Sixers will visit the Toronto Raptors on the same day. (Ant/Z-1)
#Scores #Points #Damian #Lillard #Leads #Milwaukee #Bucks #Philadelphia #76ers
**Interview with NBA Analyst Kevin Richards on the Bucks’ Season Opener Victory**
**Editor:** Joining us today is NBA analyst Kevin Richards to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ impressive season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. Kevin, thanks for being here!
**Kevin Richards:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Damian Lillard had an outstanding performance, scoring 30 points. What did you think about his impact on the game?
**Kevin Richards:** Lillard was phenomenal. His ability to score in crucial moments, especially that surge in the third quarter where he hit six three-pointers, truly shifted the momentum in favor of the Bucks. He’s demonstrated how he can be a game-changer for this team.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong showing with 25 points and 14 rebounds. How do you view his contribution, especially alongside Lillard?
**Kevin Richards:** Giannis was a force as usual. His dominance in the paint not only helped on the boards but also opened up opportunities for Lillard to capitalize from three-point range. They complement each other well, and their dynamic is something that can set the foundation for a successful season.
**Editor:** The Bucks had contributions from other players like Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis, each scoring 16 points. How important is that balance in scoring for Milwaukee?
**Kevin Richards:** It’s crucial. Having multiple players in double digits means the defense can’t just focus on stopping Lillard and Giannis. This depth can be a key asset as the season progresses; it gives them resilience against stronger defensive teams in the playoffs.
**Editor:** With this strong start to the season, what should fans keep an eye on moving forward?
**Kevin Richards:** Fans should watch how the chemistry develops between Lillard and Giannis as they learn to play off each other even more. Additionally, maintaining their defensive integrity throughout the season will be essential. If they can keep this balance, Milwaukee could be a serious contender for the championship.
**Editor:** Great insights, Kevin. Thanks again for joining us and sharing your thoughts!
**Kevin Richards:** Anytime! Looking forward to an exciting NBA season.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that! Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong showing with 25 points and 14 rebounds. How do you see their dynamic working together this season?
**Kevin Richards:** Their chemistry is critical. Lillard’s shooting ability opens up the floor for Giannis, allowing him to operate more freely in the paint. When they combine their strengths, as they did in this opener, it becomes tremendously difficult for defenses to match up. They complement each other perfectly—Lillard as the perimeter threat and Giannis as the inside powerhouse.
**Editor:** The Bucks had an impressive 16 three-pointers in this game. How important is the three-point game for their overall strategy?
**Kevin Richards:** Very important. The NBA is increasingly becoming a perimeter-oriented league, and having shooters like Lillard and supporting players like Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis helps stretch the defense. This allows for better penetration from Giannis and creates more open looks beyond the arc. Establishing the three-point shot early in the season could set the tone for their offensive strategy going forward.
**Editor:** The Sixers were missing key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George. How much did that impact the game?
**Kevin Richards:** It had a significant impact. The absence of both players limited the Sixers’ ability to defend effectively and create offense. Tyrese Maxey did his best to fill the void, but without Embiid, they lacked that inside presence and scoring threat. The Bucks were able to exploit this weakness, which played a big role in their decisive victory.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what should fans watch for in the Bucks’ upcoming season?
**Kevin Richards:** Fans should pay attention to how Lillard integrates with the team as the season progresses. His ability to involve his teammates will be critical, especially when facing tougher defenses later in the season. Additionally, keep an eye on how they manage injuries, as depth will be a key factor in their playoff aspirations. it’s going to be thrilling to see how this team develops chemistry as they aim for a championship run.
**Editor:** Excellent insights, Kevin. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today!
**Kevin Richards:** Thank you for having me! Looking forward to an exciting NBA season!