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10/20/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

Bucks Raise Banner Then Blow Out Nets (127-104); Warriors Outlast Lakers Before Curry’s Triple-Double (121-114)

The 2021-22 NBA season has officially arrived, and tip-off night featured some of the game’s biggest stars. The Milwaukee Bucks raised their championship banner and received their rings before the season-opening blowout against the Nets. In the nightcap, Steph Curry and the Warriors pulled away from the Lakers down the stretch. Tonight brings the real action with 22 teams on the court. Here’s the recap and the look-ahead:

 

Bucks def. Nets (127-104)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (32 pts, 14 rebs, 7 asts) and Kevin Durant (32 pts, 11 rebs, 4 asts) went toe-to-toe in the season-opener after the Bucks’ championship presentation, but it was Milwaukee who pulled away in the fourth quarter. James Harden, Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton all added 20 points apiece.

 

Warriors def. Lakers (121-114)

The Lakers’ stars showed up in their opening night game, but the Warriors survived the opener despite a rough shooting night from Curry. He had just 20 points on 5-for-21, but his 10 assists and 10 rebounds made way for his first triple-double since 2016. LeBron James (34 pts, 11 rebs, 5 asts) and Anthony Davis (33 pts, 11 rebs) both played spectacular, but no other Lakers players scored in double figures. Russell Westbrook’s L.A. debut was disappointing with just 8 points.

 

Tonight’s Schedule

Pacers at Hornets (7:00 pm ET)

Bulls at Pistons (7:00 pm ET)

Celtics at Knicks (7:30 pm ET)

Wizards at Raptors (7:30 pm ET)

Cavaliers at Grizzlies (8:00 pm ET)

Rockets at Timberwolves (8:00 pm ET)

76ers at Pelicans (8:00 pm ET)

Magic at Spurs (8:30 pm ET)

Thunder at Jazz (9:00 pm ET)

Nuggets at Suns (10:00 pm ET)

Kings at Blazers (10:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: Giannis Antetokounmpo on Bucks Title Banner: ‘That’s Going to be Forever’

B/R: Ben Simmons Kicked Out of Practice, Suspended for 76ers Season-Opener