27.10.2023
Milwaukee Bucks 118 - 117 Philadelphia 76ers
Damian Lillard scored an impressive 39 points in his Bucks debut, helping Milwaukee edge the Philadelphia 76ers 118-117 in a close game. Lillard's debut performance surpassed Terry Cummings for the highest point total by a player in their Bucks debut. Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a strong showing with 23 points and 13 rebounds, becoming the franchise's career leader in baskets. Lillard came up big down the stretch, scoring Milwaukee's final 11 points and securing the victory with clutch plays. The 76ers, playing without James Harden, made a comeback after falling behind by 19 points, but couldn't contain Lillard in the end. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin secured his first win as a head coach against his former boss, Nick Nurse. Lillard's impressive debut sets a strong tone for the Bucks as they prepare to host the Atlanta Hawks next.
Los Angeles Lakers 100 - 95 Phoenix Suns
In a highly anticipated showdown between LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the Lakers rallied in the fourth quarter for a 100-95 victory over the short-handed Suns. Durant impressed with 39 points and 11 rebounds, while James contributed 21 points, including key baskets in the final minutes. Despite missing Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, the Suns led by 12 entering the fourth but faltered down the stretch. James, in his 21st NBA season, guided the Lakers to their first win of the season in an intense matchup that felt like a playoff game. Durant and James, two all-time greats and long-time friends, displayed their skill and competitiveness in a game that NBA fans had been eagerly awaiting for nearly five years.