Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks with 37 points and 14 rebounds, guiding the team to a 133-120 victory over the Washington Wizards in the season opener Wednesday at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee never trailed, despite losing Kevin Porter Jr. to a sprained left ankle late in the first quarter. Porter had scored 10 points before leaving after tripping over teammate Bobby Portis’ foot while defending Cam Whitmore.
Khris Middleton, making his first appearance in Milwaukee since being traded last season, scored 23 points and received a standing ovation during pregame introductions and again after a video tribute during the first timeout. Gary Trent Jr. added 17 points, while Myles Turner contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in his Bucks debut.
The Bucks shot 51% overall and made 18 of 44 three-point attempts. They opened the game by going 5 of 6 from beyond the arc in the first five minutes, reflecting coach Doc Rivers’ push for more perimeter shooting.
Washington’s Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 21 points, and CJ McCollum contributed nine points. The Wizards narrowed the margin several times, including a 12-0 run to start the third quarter that cut Milwaukee’s lead to 72-65.
Every time the Wizards threatened, the Bucks answered. Antetokounmpo scored 10 straight points during a 12-2 fourth-quarter run that helped secure the win. Washington’s late attempts fell short, with Milwaukee closing out the game at the free-throw line.
The Bucks will visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday, while the Wizards travel to Dallas the same night.
