Bucks Open Season With Huge Win Over Nets
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 127-104, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday evening.
The Bucks (1-0) and the Nets (0-1) delivered a thrilling matchup in the curtain-raiser of the 2021-22 NBA season, and while it was expected to be a tight matchup, the Bucks quickly got control of the contest and ran away with the game -- despite losing their starting point guard, Jrue Holiday, due to injury. Milwaukee quickly jumped out to a 37-25 lead in the first quarter and led by as much as 18 points in the first half, but Brooklyn made it a close game following a 34-29 score in the second quarter. Milwaukee restored the 12-point lead after winning the third quarter by a five-point differential, and they ran away with the game in the final 12 minutes of action, outscoring Brooklyn by 11 points in that frame (30-19).
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 32 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added seven assists, two blocks and a steal. Khris Middleton had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Pat Connaughton also notched 20 points coming off the bench. Jrue Holiday mustered 12 points before getting injured, and Grayson Allen added 10 points. Jordan Nwora was a surprise off the bench and finished with 15 points and six boards off the bench.
Kevin Durant was the best player for the Nets since he ended with 32 points and 11 rebounds while also adding four assists, and James Harden sniffed a triple-double after putting up 20 points, eight rebounds and eight dimes. Nic Claxton had 12 points and seven boards, while Patty Mills supplied 21 points while coming off the bench.
The Bucks (1-0) and the Nets (0-1) delivered a thrilling matchup in the curtain-raiser of the 2021-22 NBA season, and while it was expected to be a tight matchup, the Bucks quickly got control of the contest and ran away with the game -- despite losing their starting point guard, Jrue Holiday, due to injury. Milwaukee quickly jumped out to a 37-25 lead in the first quarter and led by as much as 18 points in the first half, but Brooklyn made it a close game following a 34-29 score in the second quarter. Milwaukee restored the 12-point lead after winning the third quarter by a five-point differential, and they ran away with the game in the final 12 minutes of action, outscoring Brooklyn by 11 points in that frame (30-19).
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 32 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added seven assists, two blocks and a steal. Khris Middleton had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Pat Connaughton also notched 20 points coming off the bench. Jrue Holiday mustered 12 points before getting injured, and Grayson Allen added 10 points. Jordan Nwora was a surprise off the bench and finished with 15 points and six boards off the bench.
Kevin Durant was the best player for the Nets since he ended with 32 points and 11 rebounds while also adding four assists, and James Harden sniffed a triple-double after putting up 20 points, eight rebounds and eight dimes. Nic Claxton had 12 points and seven boards, while Patty Mills supplied 21 points while coming off the bench.
Warriors Defeat Lakers in Opener, 121-114
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 121-114, at Staples Center on Tuesday.
It took five ties and seven lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. With that said, the Warriors rode a 68-55 second half to their comeback victory. Golden State ended up out-assisting Los Angeles, 30-21, despite both teams recording 17 turnovers apiece. In addition, the Warriors shot 25-of-30 from the free-throw line while the Lakers hit just 9-of-19. Golden State also outscored Los Angeles in bench points, 55-29.
Stephen Curry recorded his eighth career triple-double, collecting 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Jordan Poole provided 20 points, two rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins had 12 points and seven boards while Draymond Green generated six points, eight rebounds and six assists. Nemanja Bjelica led the bench with 15 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 34 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis amassed 33 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Those were the only two players to finish in double figures, with Russell Westbrook registering eight points, five rebounds and four assists in his debut. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and two assists.
Golden State will return home on Thursday to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they're off until Friday when they stay home to face the Phoenix Suns.
It took five ties and seven lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. With that said, the Warriors rode a 68-55 second half to their comeback victory. Golden State ended up out-assisting Los Angeles, 30-21, despite both teams recording 17 turnovers apiece. In addition, the Warriors shot 25-of-30 from the free-throw line while the Lakers hit just 9-of-19. Golden State also outscored Los Angeles in bench points, 55-29.
Stephen Curry recorded his eighth career triple-double, collecting 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Jordan Poole provided 20 points, two rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins had 12 points and seven boards while Draymond Green generated six points, eight rebounds and six assists. Nemanja Bjelica led the bench with 15 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 34 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Anthony Davis amassed 33 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Those were the only two players to finish in double figures, with Russell Westbrook registering eight points, five rebounds and four assists in his debut. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and two assists.
Golden State will return home on Thursday to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they're off until Friday when they stay home to face the Phoenix Suns.