Bobby Portis had 17 points (9 in the third quarter) and 13 rebounds, and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 96-89.
The Bucks never trailed and led by as many as 20.
The Thunder got within 91-89 on Jeremiah Robinson-Earl’s corner 3-pointer with 2:36 to play, but Giannis Antetokounmpo answered with a 15-foot fadeaway, and the Thunder got no closer.
During clutch time, the Bucks outscored the Thunder 7-3. In the fourth quarter, Jrue Holiday had 2 of his 3 steals, both with the game within five points.
Antetokounmpo had 21 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points but shot 5 for 20.
The Bucks went 22 for 26 at the line to the Thunder’s 13 for 21. The Thunder’s starters were outscored 41-21 in 16 minutes together.