MILWAUKEE — It was just a practice, but that didn’t matter to the couple thousand Milwaukee Bucks fans who showed up at Fiserv Forum Sunday to see the team’s open preseason scrimmage. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Milwaukee Bucks held an open scrimmage for fans to attend on Sunday

  • The Bucks are working to defend their first NBA Championship in 50 years

  • The regular season starts Oct. 19 at Fiserv Forum

“How could I not? You get to celebrate the 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee. First time since July 20, and the excitement is at an all time high,” said Bucks fan, Rob Hill. “It’s all the city talks about. Brewers baseball is right around the corner, but this is still a Bucks town all the way. 

Hill isn’t even from Milwaukee. 

“I’m actually a Chicago fan, but been a Bucks fan my whole life though,” Hill said. 

He made the trip up to the Cream City from the Windy City with some friends to see Bobby Portis, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and the rest of the Bucks team play — each other. 

“I mean, it’s awesome. I mean it’s great. Especially these seats, being this up close and personal with all the guys,” Hill said. "Sadly not going to see Giannis here today, but a lot of the new guys on this team are great too! George Hill’s back, Rodney Hood in a Buck’s uniform? That’s going to be great to see this year."

Sunday was action packed, both on and off the court. 

Bango and his crew helped throw NBA Championship t-shirts to some lucky fans in the stands, including Hill and his friends. 

Even though it was just a practice, it was a chance to make some memories. 

JJ Meincke brought his son, Mason, and daughter, Jordan. 

“This is a great experience. I’m excited the Milwaukee Bucks do this scrimmage to give us a chance as a family to come for a great price and have a great experience here at the Fiserv Forum,” Meincke said. 

There is a lot of optimism for this Milwaukee Bucks team heading into the new season. 

Of course, opposing teams are going to want to do whatever they can to dethrone them as defending champions, but fans are ready. 

“I absolutely think this team can repeat as champions,” Meincke said. "It’s very hard. If you look at NBA history, there have not been many teams who have repeated as champions but I like the pieces they’ve added to the team, and I’m excited to see them make another deep playoff run.”

“Back-to-back champs! Why not?” Hill asked. "Let’s go out and do it this year, right? Let’s go boys!”

The Bucks 2021-2022 regular season tips off on Oct. 19 against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum.