Giannis Antetokounmpo started the new season exactly as he ended the previous one: with a dominating performance!
The Greek superstar had 37 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Bucks to a 133-120 victory over the Wizards in the NBA opener. The Bucks never trailed, confirming their ambitions for this year early on.
Kevin Porter Jr. scored 10 points for the Bucks, but left late in the first period with a sprained left ankle after falling when he accidentally stepped on the foot of teammate Bobby Portis.
The game also had a strong emotional component, as Khris Middleton played in Milwaukee for the first time in a Washington jersey after being traded to the Wizards at last year’s trade deadline. The three-time All-Star and 2021 Bucks champion received a standing ovation from the crowd, both at his introduction and during a moving video tribute at the game’s first timeout. Middleton finished the game with 23 points.
For Milwaukee, Gary Trent Jr. added 17 points, while Myles Turner, in his debut with the Bucks jersey, had 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. For the Wizards, Kai Sean George stood out with 21 points.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers had stressed in the preseason that his team needed to attempt more 3-pointers, and his players followed the instruction faithfully. The Bucks started with 5-of-6 3-pointers in the first five minutes and finished the game with 18-of-44, showing that they plan to rely more on the perimeter shot this year.
Although the Bucks jumped out to a 22-point lead in the second quarter, the Wizards fought back temporarily, cutting the deficit to 7 points in the third quarter thanks to a 12-0 run that ended with a shot by Middleton. However, every time the visitors came close, Antetokounmpo provided the solution. The “Greek Freak” scored 10 consecutive points in the fourth period, “cleaning up” the game and once again proving his leadership presence.
NBA results in detail
Hornets-Nets 136-117
Knicks-Cavaliers 119-111
Magic-Hit 125-121
Hawks-Raptors 118-138
Celtics-Sixers 116-117
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loTnBJeTXg
Bulls-Pistons 115-111
Grizzlies-Pelicans 128-122
Bucks-Wizards 133-120
Jazz-Clippers 129-108
Mavericks-Spurs 92-125
Suns-Kings 120-116
Blazers-Timberwolves 114-118
Source: Sport Fm
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