Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo took turns in punishing a Philadelphia 76ers side missing superstars Joel Embiid and Paul George for a strong 124-109 Milwaukee Bucks rout on Thursday, October 24 (PH Time).
Won and 0.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/TMT9LKzwfG
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 24, 2024
Lillard, the reigning All-Star Game MVP, fired 30 points built on six triples, nine rebounds, and six assists to lead a fiery Bucks showing on the road for their first win of the new NBA season.
"AS THAT MAN CONTINUES TO NAIL THREE-POINTERS!"
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024
6 triples & 29 points for Dame on ESPN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vGMaKRmcN9
His superstar partner in Antetokounmpo muscled his way to a double-double outing of 25 markers and 14 boards on top of seven dimes in 31 minutes.
Giannis PLOWS through the contact for the STRONG and-1 💪💪
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024
📺 Bucks-Sixers #KiaTipOff24 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/Anr8DLYNrq
Milwaukee rode a sizzling offense in the middle quarters to pull away after a tight opening frame, outscoring the Sixers, 78-58, in the second and third frames.
Three other Bucks starters in Taurean Prince, Brook Lopez, and Gary Trent Jr. also chalked up twin digit outings.
Taurean Prince can’t miss!
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 24, 2024
He's 5/5 from the field and 4/4 from three. pic.twitter.com/0pn2XiehyD
Bobby Portis added 16 points on a 7-of-10 shooting off the bench for a team which shot an efficient 54% from the field and knocked down 16 triples.
On the other hand, reigning Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey paced Philadelphia with a team-high 25 points but struggled offensively after just hitting 10-of-31 all-game long including missing seven of his nine three-point attempts.
Peep the quick bounce off the right foot to get the shot off 👀
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024
Tyrese Maxey skill level on 💯 https://t.co/wtOLH6KMrV pic.twitter.com/xZMo1veRKZ
Earlier, the Sixers ruled out both Embiid and George, their prized free agent acquisition, in their season opener as both are still recovering from knee injuries.
And without them, Maxey and the Sixers were simply overwhelmed by a full-strength Bucks squad. Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 21 points. Andre Drummond, who started in place of Embiid, tallied a double-double of 10 markers and 13 boards.
Despite double-digit bench production from Kyle Lowry, Caleb Martin, and Guerschon Yabusele, the Sixers struggled to find their groove from downtown after connecting on just eight of their 31 attempts.
Philadelphia aims to bounce back against the Toronto Raptors at home while Milwaukee continues their road trip in Chicago next.
