Milwaukee Bucks 2023-2024 Keys to Victory- Win the Opener
It truly is “Dame Time” in Milwaukee. The newly acquitted Buck made a stunning debut, giving Milwaukee the true scoring guard they have never seemed to have, save for flashes from Jrue Holiday, Michael Redd or possibly even Oscar Robertson. His clutch shooting down the stretch was amazing NBA entertainment!
After going 3-2 in the preseason, the Bucks won a hard-fought game in Milwaukee 118-117. They are now 1-0.
Like so many NBA games, it came down to 4th quarter-play. But before that, Damian Lillard played an amazing game scoring 21 points with 5 rebounds in the first half alone. His debut was impressive and bodes well for the Bucks this season.
Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks in scoring with 39 points. Giannis led all Bucks with 13 rebounds. Khris Middleton tied Lillard for a team leading 4 assists. Milwaukee, as a team, only had 20 assists.
Philadelphia made a strong run in the 4th quarter, persevering to a 100-94 lead. Their 14-0 run was interrupted by a key three by Brook Lopez to start a good Bucks run. Jae Crowder followed with a 3 of his own to force a Nick Nurse timeout. The Bucks never looked back.
The end of the game was exciting. But Milwaukee, led by Lillard, was able to play strong defense as well as hit some key shots.
Related: 76ers vs Bucks Game Preview
Philadelphia was led by Tyrese Maxey who had 31 points.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took in the game at the Fiserv forum.
Milwaukee Bucks-The Keys to the game
The Bucks play well at home. Last season they were 32-9 at home. That home court advantage seemed to really energize the team at the end of the game.
The 76ers also made a decent run in the 3rd quarter but the veteran Bucks squad held serve. The Bucks seemed to control the tempo the whole game. The play of Lillard energized the crowd and he clearly fed off the crowd’s energy.
Some odd officiating
A challenge by 76ers coach Nick Nurse at the 10 minute mark exemplified some strange and subjective officiating.
A call was “overturned” that allowed Giannis to keep a made basket but a foul from PJ Tucker was removed.
Another odd play came in the first half when Lillard had a second four point play go through. However, that play was waved off even though it was identical to an earlier 4 point play Lillard completed earlier.
An important call at the 3:02 mark overturned a foul call on Brook Lopez. The Bucks had the ball and then Damian Lillard completed an amazing “and 1” to give Milwaukee a 113-104 lead.
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Free Throw Shooting?
Both teams shot poorly from the line. Giannis was 3-9; Joel Embiid was 3-8.
Philadelphia ended the game 19-28 from the line.
Milwaukee ended the game 25-36 from the free throw line.
Damian Lillard was the lone bright spot for both teams from the line. He was perfect. He shot 17-17 from the line.
It looks like both teams will need to practice up from behind the line.
Up next for the Milwaukee Bucks is another home game Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
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