Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first win of the season in the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. The final score was 118:117.
As the score suggests, it was a highly suspenseful game, only decided in the closing moments. Damian Lillard took on the responsibility when it was needed the most and did exactly what he was brought in to do. He nailed a crucial three-pointer, giving the Milwaukee Bucks a five-point lead with a minute left, which ultimately proved decisive.
The game didn’t initially suggest that we would see such a suspenseful ending. In fact, during the first half, the home team had a 19-point lead (57:38). By the end of the third quarter, the team from the “City of Brotherly Love” had narrowed the deficit to just one possession.
Then, a spectacular showdown unfolded in the decisive 12 minutes. The 76ers managed to turn things around, taking a 102:94 lead. That’s when Lillard stepped up as the leader of a new comeback and a thrilling finish where he took responsibility. With a 19-2 run by the Bucks, they broke the opponent’s resistance and ultimately triumphed in the season opener.
Damian Lillard made quite a debut by scoring 39 points with eight rebounds and four assists. This performance set a new franchise record for the Bucks. Previously, Terry Cummings had scored 34 points in his first game for this franchise back in 1984. Since then, no one had scored more points in their debut, making it clear why “Dame Time” was brought in.
“This is just the beginning; I want more. I said it when I arrived that I didn’t come here to waste time,” Lillard stated clearly after the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds. On the other side, Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points with eight assists, and Kelly Oubre contributed 27 points, making nine of his eleven field goal attempts. The reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, finished the game with 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.