NBA Opening Night: Milwaukee Bucks Begin Title Defense With Win Over Brooklyn Nets; Warriors Stun LA Lakers

(Photo : Stacy Revere/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34) of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Nicolas Claxton (#33) of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of the season opener at the Fiserv Forum on October 19, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On Opening Night, the Milwaukee Bucks began their title defense with a victory on Tuesday as they trounced the Brooklyn Nets, 127-104. Six players scored in double figures for the Bucks, who received their rings and raised the coveted NBA championship banner before the game.

A 50-piece in a NBA Finals clincher 🔥

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a champion 🏆

pic.twitter.com/8Hhw1eSoLN
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 19, 2021

The last time Giannis Antetokounmpo played in this building, he dropped 50 points in Game 6 of the NBA Finals to secure the Bucks' first title in 50 years. In the season opener, he dominated yet again, racking up 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists against the Nets.

Bucks cruise to victory despite Holiday's injury

In the first quarter, the Bucks broke the game wide open, unleashing a 21-4 run to turn a slim 10-8 lead into a huge 31-12 advantage. The Nets managed to cut the deficit to seven points at half-time, but that was the closest Brooklyn got to Milwaukee's lead during the second half as the Bucks cruised to an easy win.

However, the victory came at a price for the Bucks, as Jrue Holiday suffered a bruised right heel and did not return for the second half. The good news for Bucks fans is that MRI results on Holiday's injured heel were encouraging, according to coach Mike Budenholzer.

It was a disappointing defeat for the Nets, who were missing star guard Kyrie Irving in this game. The seven-time All-Star grabbed the headlines recently when he opted not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Brooklyn decided not to allow Irving to practice or play with them until he complied with New York City's vaccine mandate for professional athletes.

Kevin Durant recorded a double-double for Brooklyn with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Patty Mills and James Harden scored 21 and 20 points, respectively, for the Nets.

Steph Curry leads Warriors to upset win over Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers' newest Big Three got a rude awakening in their season opener as they lost 121-114 to the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center. Stephen Curry recorded a triple-double for the Warriors as they spoiled the Lakers' opening night in Hollywood.

"Three by Curry!"

We've heard that before 😎 pic.twitter.com/vfRoIeWHDt
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 20, 2021

Curry scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists for the Warriors, who trailed by as many as 10 points late in the third quarter. They went on a blistering 24-6 run that turned a 74-84 deficit into a 98-90 advantage in the fourth quarter. The Warriors managed to hold on for the victory as they got some solid production from their supporting cast.

Damion Lee and Nemanja Bjelica each scored 15 points for the Warriors, while Jordan Poole impressed as a starter, racking up 20 points. Their offensive explosion helped Golden State overcome a poor shooting night by Curry, who missed 16 of his 21 field goal attempts against the Lakers.

Russell Westbrook deserved much of the blame for the Lakers' loss as he struggled in his debut for the Lake Show. He scored just eight points on 4 of 13 shooting from the field to go along with his four rebounds and five assists.