On Thursday, one month after the thrilling trade to the Portland Trail Blazers, Bucks star Damian Lillard made his Bucks debut. Despite his 39 points on 9 of 20 shooting (4 of 12 from beyond the arc), eight rebounds, four assists, and zero turnovers, the team defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 118-117 in the season opener.
It broke the Bucks’ first-ever scoring record.
When there was less than a minute left in the game, the seven-time All-Star scored the final 11 points for the Bucks, including a 3-pointer that stretched their lead to five points. In the tense seconds that remained, he played exceptionally well. Lillard, who had a perfect shooting performance, won the game by making both of his final free throws with 12 seconds remaining.
Read More: The Nuggets beat the Lakers and won the title 119-107.
About fifteen minutes ago. massive, huge zero.
Last month, the Bucks acquired Lillard from the Blazers and Suns in a three-team trade. Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, draft money, and Lillard’s departure for Milwaukee were all welcomed by the Blazers. The Suns have depth with Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
It was obvious why the move was made. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is a fan of Lillard, purportedly waited to sign an extension until he received a response. After the Bucks moved, Antetokounmpo signed a three-year, $186 million contract.
The Milwaukee Bucks were able to win the NBA title in 2021, thanks in large part to the contributions of a few players who started the season on the team’s bench. Antetokounmpo had a final line against the Knicks on Thursday that included 23 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.
On Sunday, the Bucks and the Hawks will play each other in the first game that both of their new teams will play together.
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