The Milwaukee Bucks are starting the 2023-24 NBA season because the favorites to win the championship subsequent June, and so they solidified their standing of their opening evening contest towards the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
NBA: Damian Lillard Impresses In Bucks Debut
Damian Lillard tonight:
39 factors
8 rebounds
4 assists
17/17 FTsSCARY HOURS. pic.twitter.com/AMgSheGcbk
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 27, 2023
The Bucks spent a majority of the low season simply behind the Denver Nuggets on the board of shortest odds to win the 2024 NBA Finals, however that each one modified the day that they acquired Damian Lillard. The addition of the famous person guard boosted Milwaukee into the highest spot, making them the crew to beat not solely within the Japanese Convention, however within the entirety of the league.
There have been some questions on how dominant the Bucks can be early on, however the oddsmakers didn’t suppose it will take very lengthy for the crew to gel. For the sport towards the 76ers, Lillard’s new crew was favored by 6 factors over Philadelphia, who’ve an opportunity to compete within the East themselves.
The Bucks have been unable to cowl the unfold because of a late flurry by Philly, however nonetheless got here out with a victory on opening evening towards a convention rival. Lillard was particularly spectacular, scoring 39 factors in his debut, sinking all 17 of his free throws and grabbing 8 rebounds besides. Giannis Antetoukounmpo had some large performs down the stretch, getting the Bucks again into the sport when the 76ers took the lead midway by way of the 4th quarter.
Lacking Harden May Have Affected 76ers
James Harden went to the airport to affix the 76ers on their highway journey, and was denied entry onto the crew airplane by a safety official, per @ChrisBHaynes
Yikes. pic.twitter.com/mfUXAiEVw6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 26, 2023
The 76ers have been with out James Harden, who was within the information earlier within the day for being denied entry to the crew’s airplane as they departed for Milwaukee on Wednesday. There is no such thing as a phrase on whether or not he’ll play for the crew any time quickly, however his presence was definitely missed within the first recreation of the season, and the outcomes could have been completely different had he been out there to play.
Embiid scored 23 factors however was affected by 7 turnovers, and was not the best scorer on his crew. Tyrese Maxey is within the dialog for Most Improved Participant within the NBA firstly of the season, and had a powerful first evening by scoring 31 factors and doling out 8 assists within the loss.
The Bucks could have two days off earlier than they play towards the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
