NBA great guard Damian Lillard had an incredible start to his Milwaukee Bucks career on Thursday, leading the team to a 118-117 victory at home against Philadelphia with 39 points.

The 33-year-old American, acquired from Portland in a trade last month, scored the most points in his debut game for the Bucks in the inaugural game of the league for both teams.

Milwaukee fans erupted in delight as Lillard made 9 of 20 shots from the field, including 4 of 12 from 3-point range, and sunk all 17 of his free throws. He also added 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Seven-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard led the Bucks past a resolute Sixers squad that fought until the very end with 14 points in the last four minutes.

 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, an inside-outside dual threat, combined for a game-high 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Bucks in their first meeting with Lillard.

 

The Sixers, without star guard James Harden, who was left off the trip squad due to fitness concerns, were led by Tyrese Maxey, who scored 31 points, Kelly Oubre, who scored 27 points off the bench, and Joel Embiid, who is currently the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, who scored 24 points.

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Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP, and Lillard collaborated for early baskets on Monday after the latter agreed to a three-year deal extension with the Bucks worth $186 million. This suggests that the two can work well together.

With 6:47 remaining, Oubre scored a triple-double, a jumper, and a dunk to lead the Sixers on a 14-0 run that put them ahead 102-94.

The Bucks led 113-104 after Lillard scored nine points in a 19-2 run, including two 3-pointers and a 3-point play.

With 11.1 seconds left, Lillard made two crucial free throws and a stunning 3-pointer over Oubre to spark a 7-0 comeback by the Sixers.

The Sixers’ final margin of defeat was only slightly reduced by De’Anthony Melton’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

With 3:57 remaining in the first half, Lillard made his first basket for the Bucks, scoring 21 points. In the second quarter, he scored 17 points, helping Milwaukee take a 63-54 advantage into the break.

Harden did not participate in Philadelphia’s preseason games. The NBA assists leader from the previous season skipped practices for what the organization described as personal reasons.

The NBA’s new participation guideline, which was implemented to guarantee that elite players were more available for games broadcast nationally, may have been broken by his absence.

Booker, Beal out for the Suns

The Phoenix Suns hosted the Lakers in the NBA’s lone other game on Thursday; Phoenix players Bradley Beal and Devin Booker were sidelined because of injuries.

Guard Beal, acquired from Washington in the off-season, missed the Suns’ opening-round 108-104 victory over Golden State on Tuesday due to lower back soreness.

Despite being out due to a left foot injury, Booker led the Suns with 32 points and eight assists in their victory over the Warriors.

The Suns, led by two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant, take on LeBron James and the Lakers in their home opener with the intention of winning after suffering a season-opening 119-107 loss at Denver on Tuesday.

Since Christmas Day 2018, NBA players James and Durant have not faced off in a regular-season game.