Fans inside the BMO Harris Bradley Center last Wednesday were anticipating the return of second-year forward Jabari Parker who was given the starting nod by head coach Jason Kidd, but struggled.
Parker was playing his first game since last year when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) back in December which limited his rookie season to only 25 regular season games.
In his return, Parker failed to impress as he showed signs of rustiness in their 91–87 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, only tallying two points (1-of-6 shooting), four rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes played.
"You know, I didn't make much. I made a basket," the 20-year-old said, according to the Associated Press. "Went really well. Got the win, so that's most important," he added.
The victory was indeed important as it was Milwaukee's second consecutive after opening the 2015–16 season with three consecutive losses.
Parker may not have performed the way he wanted to but his teammates, led by forward Khris Middleton, did enough to seal the victory and keep the 76ers winless this season.
Middleton led all scorers for the Bucks dropping 21 points, also having three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Helping him was offseason signing center Greg Monroe who tallied 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Another bright spot for Milwaukee was the "Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokounmpo who listed 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.
Meanwhile, the 76ers were led by the third overall pick in this year's draft center Jahlil Okafor who had 21 points and another big man in Nerlens Noel who had a double-double 17 points with 12 boards.
Next for Parker and the Bucks will be a rematch today, Friday, with the New York Knicks who defeated them in their season opener.
The Bucks are gunning for the win to return to .500 and to have momentum when they head back to Milwaukee for a two-game home stand.
