manaloplay NBA: Damian Lillard, Bucks pull away for opening win over 76ers

Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard reacts after making a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Damian Lillard scored 30 points while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 124-109 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in the NBA season opener for both teams.

Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 25 points on 8-of-11 shooting to go along with 14 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis chipped in 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench, while Taurean Prince also had 16 points, fueled by 4-of-5 success on 3-point attempts.

Article continues after this advertisement

Tyrese Maxey shot 10 of 31 en route to 25 points for Philadelphia, which played without Joel Embiid and Paul George, both of whom are nursing knee injuries. Kelly Oubre Jr. pitched in 21 points, while Andre Drummond had 10 points and 13 rebounds.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA Finals: TNT carries extra weapons into duel vs Ginebra SPORTS NBA to investigate 76ers over Joel Embiid's playing status SPORTS NBA: Buddy Hield helps Warriors blow out Blazers in season opener

READ: NBA: Bucks confident they can contend again if they stay healthy

The Sixers led by one point after the first quarter, and the score remained close for most of the second quarter before the Bucks began to create some separation.

Article continues after this advertisement

With Milwaukee ahead 39-37 and less than five minutes left in the half, Lillard converted a bucket to begin a 15-5 run. Prince added a layup and two 3-pointers in the burst as the Bucks opened a 54-42 lead.

Article continues after this advertisement

Milwaukee was up 58-47 at halftime before erupting for 42 points in the third quarter, including 15 from Lillard.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: NBA: Bucks aim to regain status as championship contenders

Prince and Gary Trent Jr. each made two 3-pointers in the first several minutes of the period to begin the uprising. Midway through the quarter, Lillard knocked down a pair of long-range attempts to build the lead to 80-64.

Article continues after this advertisement

Lillard added two more 3-pointers in the final four minutes of the third quarter to create a 92-73 bulge. Brook Lopez’s 3-pointer with just under a minute left in the third expanded the lead to 20 for the first time.

The Sixers staged a mini-comeback in the fourth quarter, getting within 107-95 on Oubre’s 3-pointer with 6:12 remaining. However, Portis quickly converted a three-point play and the Bucks led comfortably the rest of the way. –Field Level Media

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.manaloplay

READ NEXT NBA: Buddy Hield helps Warriors blow out Blazers in season opener NBA: Trae Young’s 30 points help Hawks hold off Nets EDITORS' PICK LIVE UPDATES: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine Tolentino cites importance of having provincial evacuation centers West PH Sea: Indonesia drives out China coast guard ship from disputed waters LPA outside PAR may become tropical depression Friday – Pagasa Metro Manila, portions of Calabarzon placed back at Signal No. 2 Maymay Entrata featured in Grammy’s ‘It Goes To 11’ series MOST READ LIVE UPDATES: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine West PH Sea: Indonesia drives out China coast guard ship from disputed waters Metro Manila, portions of Calabarzon placed back at Signal No. 2 LPA outside PAR may become tropical depression Friday – Pagasa View comments

• NBA
• bucks
• manaloplay
• Damian
• Lillard