The season debut is always hotly anticipated by fans, but the temperature leading up to this one was suspiciously tepid. Many expected the Milwaukee Bucks to struggle, given that they’re missing most of their wing rotation (Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton, and Joe Ingles). Moreover, the opponent tonight comes into the year with sky-high expectations; the Philadelphia 76ers have a ton of talent, and they know their moment is now.
That makes it all the sweeter that Milwaukee pulled out a gritty, old school victory in their opening game, on the road, against a vaunted conference rival.