UNDATED (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks raised their NBA championship banner on Tuesday before blowing out the team predicted to win it all this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 32 points and the Bucks opened the defense of their first title in half a century by beating the Nets, 127-104. Antetokounmpo also had 14 rebounds and seven assists in a rematch of the Bucks’ Eastern Conference quarterfinal series win.
Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton each added 20 points to help the Bucks withstand the loss of Jrue Holiday, who sat out the second half with a bruised right heel after scoring 12 points.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 32 points and 11 rebounds.
In Los Angeles, Stephen Curry had a triple-double and the Warriors rallied from 10 points down to beat the Lakers, 121-114. Curry had 21 points, 10 boards and 10 assists for Golden State, which trailed 84-74 late in the third quarter.
LeBron James had 34 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, while Anthony Davis chipped in 30 points and 11 boards.
