It was a home debut to remember for Damian Lillard, who wheeled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 118-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in a battle of Eastern Conference royalty at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.
The seven-time All-Star dropped 39 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and shot four 3s to help the Bucks to victory after they squandered their early 19-point lead.
What. A. Debut.
????: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/Skxwu6pdRP
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 27, 2023
Lillard’s extraordinary debut was made more impressive as he broke the record for points scored by a Bucks debutant, surpassing the 34 points Terry Cumming had in 1984.
“It was definitely different,” Lillard said. “I think I’ve been in an environment where I come in the arena and know everybody that works in the arena. When I get on the court, I look around and I even recognize the fans that have been there year after year after year. It’s just a super, super familiar environment that I’d been in.
“And when I come here, it kind of feels like a road game right now. It’s like I’m looking around like I’m the new guy, even though I’ve been in this league a long time. … I came in here to be a part of winning, and I think I’ve started to settle in just by how I’ve been embraced and what the team is saying to me behind closed doors.”
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with a 23-point and 13-rebound double-double as well as shooting 10-of-20 from the field to become the player with the most field goals in Bucks’ history, while Brook Lopez added 13 points in 28 minutes.
The Greek-Nigerian now has 5,905 baskets, surpassing the great Kareem “The Captain” Abdul-Jabbar, who made 5,902 baskets between 1969 and 1975 for the Bucks.
Game Won.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/86PZWzLXQo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 27, 2023
Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points and shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc to lead the Sixers in scoring. Kelly Oubre continued his fine form from preseason, coming off the bench to add 27 points after shooting five 3s in 32 minutes.
Reigning league MVP Joel Embiid finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Tobias Harris added 20 points and seven rebounds for Philadelphia, which continues to be without James Harden.
