The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 127-104, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday evening.

The Bucks (1-0) and the Nets (0-1) delivered a thrilling matchup in the curtain-raiser of the 2021-22 NBA season, and while it was expected to be a tight matchup, the Bucks quickly got control of the contest and ran away with the game -- despite losing their starting point guard, Jrue Holiday, due to injury. Milwaukee quickly jumped out to a 37-25 lead in the first quarter and led by as much as 18 points in the first half, but Brooklyn made it a close game following a 34-29 score in the second quarter. Milwaukee restored the 12-point lead after winning the third quarter by a five-point differential, and they ran away with the game in the final 12 minutes of action, outscoring Brooklyn by 11 points in that frame (30-19).

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 32 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added seven assists, two blocks and a steal. Khris Middleton had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Pat Connaughton also notched 20 points coming off the bench. Jrue Holiday mustered 12 points before getting injured, and Grayson Allen added 10 points. Jordan Nwora was a surprise off the bench and finished with 15 points and six boards off the bench.

Kevin Durant was the best player for the Nets since he ended with 32 points and 11 rebounds while also adding four assists, and James Harden sniffed a triple-double after putting up 20 points, eight rebounds and eight dimes. Nic Claxton had 12 points and seven boards, while Patty Mills supplied 21 points while coming off the bench.