Giannis and Damian Lillard combine for 30 points in Bucks 108-97 victory over Lakers

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis reminded everyone why they are two of the best big men in the NBA with absurd stat lines in just a first half of play, highlighting the Milwaukee Bucks' 108-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on Sunday night.

Antetokounmpo scored 16 points, had eight rebounds and blocked two shots in 15 minutes for the Bucks (2-1) while Davis had 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals in 19 minutes for the Lakers (2-3).

Damian Lillard makes Bucks debut

New Bucks point guard Damian Lillard initiated offense and, yes, ran pick-and-roll with Antetokounmpo as he played a game in a jersey other than Portland’s for the first time in his professional career. In his opening seven minutes of action, he knocked down three free throws after drawing a foul from Los Angeles guard D’Angelo Russell, who tried to fight over a pick from Antetokounmpo.

He made his first basket in the second quarter, knocking down a three-pointer. An often-overlooked part of Lillard’s game is his ability to get to the free throw line, which he did a career-high 9.6 times per game last year. His career average is just over six free throws a game, and he showcased that ability in the second quarter when he got to the rim and drew a foul on the Lakers’ Davis. Later, he beat Christian Wood for an and-one layup. For the game, Lillard was 6 for 6 from the charity stripe.

In 22 minutes, Lillard scored 14 points for the game on 3-of-10 shooting, including a 2-for-7 mark from behind the three-point line. He handed out three assists, came up with three steals and pulled down two rebounds.

Giannis makes presence felt

Antetokounmpo played in his first game of the preseason after practicing in full since the start of camp on Oct. 2, and he immediately wanted to exert some influence. The two-time MVP scored the Bucks’ first basket by pivoting around for a post-up lay in and scored nine points in his first seven minutes of action. He went 4 for 6 from the floor (all in the painted area) and 1-for-1 from the free throw line and blocked two shots in the first quarter.

When he checked back in a few minutes into the second quarter, Antetokounmpo found himself cutting to a wide-open dunk and making a 28-foot three-pointer.

That would be it for Antetokounmpo, however, as he watched the second half from the bench. He finished the game 7 for 10 from the floor for 16 points in 15 minutes of action. Antetokounmpo also had eight rebounds.

Khris Middleton’s return on the horizon

Bucks all-star Khris Middleton missed his third straight preseason game, but during the third quarter of the game general manager Jon Horst joined the ESPN broadcast and said, “I expect him to play at some point in the preseason and definitely be ready for the start of the regular season.”

The Bucks play in Oklahoma City on Tuesday and conclude the preseason at home on Oct. 20 against Memphis.

Bucks' three-point shooting remains off

It’s always worth taking preseason stats with a grain of salt as rosters are 21-people deep, not every starter plays and some teams – like the Bucks – have players working within a new offense and with new teammates. But after three games, the Bucks are shooting just 29.7% (33 for 111) from behind the three-point line.

Of course, Lillard played in just his first game but regulars Brook Lopez (4 for 13, 30.7%), Malik Beasley (8 for 22, 36%), Jae Crowder (5 for 14, 35.7%) and Pat Connaughton (7 for 19, 36.8%) have yet to find a rhythm. Though Connaughton made 4 of his 7 three-pointers against the Lakers, mitigating a 3-for-12 start from deep in his first two games.

LeBron James sits out

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham elected to sit James for this game after the league’s oldest player participated in preseason games against Brooklyn (Oct. 9) and Golden State (Oct. 13). Los Angeles also sat Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino.

More: Damian Lillard quickly settling into new home with Milwaukee Bucks

5 numbers

1 Three-pointers attempted by Bobby Portis through three preseason games as he took his first one late in the third quarter.

2 Points by the Lakers off 13 Bucks turnovers while the top 11 players were in.

8-0 Run by the combination of Antetokounmpo (five points) and Lillard (three) early in the second quarter, giving the Bucks a 43-39 lead at the time.

9 Blocked shots by the Lakers.

10-15 Turnovers forced and points off them by the Bucks against the Lakers through three quarters when the first and second units went head-to-head.

Play of the game

OK, I’ll take the easy way out and just say the opening possession with Antetokounmpo and Lillard on the floor together. After the pair sat the first two preseason games, it was a bit surreal to see Lillard in the dark-green jersey looking for Antetokounmpo in a halfcourt setting. Of course, the Bucks hope the Top 75 duo will have far more significant moments this year than just their first exhibition together, but it was still a moment many fans had been waiting for since the trade for Lillard was made.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Giannis and Lillard combine for 30 points in Bucks victory over Lakers