The Houston Rockets seemed to channel all of their offseason hype into on-court energy on Thursday as they came out of the gate hot, establishing a quick 17-5 lead. They played at a frenetic pace that caught the Milwaukee Bucks off guard, but Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer was able to make adjustments as the game went on.
Leading 87-78 going into the fourth quarter, Mike D’Antoni‘s Rockets seemed primed to get the season off on the right track. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez had different ideas, though. Taking advantage of Houston’s small-ball lineup, Giannis caught fire early in the fourth to lead Milwaukee on a furious comeback.