Bucks 97 - 108 Wizards
Final
  for this game

Balanced Wizards down Bucks in home opener

Nov 2, 2014 - 3:34 AM

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Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Nene scored 22 points and the Washington Wizards continued Milwaukee's road woes with a 108-97 victory over the Bucks.

Otto Porter contributed 21 points and John Wall posted 19 points, 10 assists and five steals in Washington's home opener. Marcin Gortat finished with 20 points, nine boards and three blocks, while Garrett Temple posted 18 points.

"The last three years we lost every home opener, so we wanted to come out and just play the right way, play our defense, move the ball and make shots," Wall said. "I think we did a great job of that."

Brandon Knight had 24 points and Jerryd Bayless scored 20 for the Bucks, who have lost 16 in a row on the road. Their last victory outside Milwaukee came Feb. 24, 2014 at Philadelphia. Milwaukee, which was coming off a 93-81 win against Philadelphia on Friday, hasn't won consecutive games since March 17 and 19, 2013.

Paul Pierce, playing in his first home game as a member of the Wizards, was ejected with seven seconds left in the opening half. He fouled Knight to stop a pass that would have led to a breakaway dunk from Jabari Parker. Pierce argued the clear-path foul call, which was confirmed after a video review. He was assessed two technicals and was sent to the locker room.

The Bucks, who never led, cut the deficit to 54-51 early in the third quarter following a 3-pointer from Khris Middleton.

Washington built its advantage to 67-57 following a Temple steal and layup. The margin ballooned to 83-68 entering the fourth, and the visitors didn't get closer than eight in the final quarter.

"For us being a young team we have to take care of the ball," Bucks coach Jason Kidd said.

Gortat scored eight in the opening quarter to help the hosts to a 29-17 lead after 12 minutes. It was 49-44 at the half.

Game Notes

Milwaukee's record road skid is 24 games, set during the 1991-92 season ... Wall has double-doubles in all three games this season ... Parker scored 13 and had 11 rebounds ... The Wizards have won seven of the last nine matchups in this series ... Nene was 10-of-12 from the field.






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