MILWAUKEE — Welcome to Milwaukee, Dame Time.

Damian Lillard scored 39 points, the most ever in a Bucks debut, to lead the Bucks to a 118-117 victory over the Sixers Thursday night at a sold out Fiserv Forum.

It’s only one game, but Lillard looked right at home in the Bucks’ regular season opener.

What struck me is how he helped the Bucks build a 19-point lead in the second quarter.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench.

They’ll be great on the floor together, but Lillard will be so important to the Bucks when Giannis is not on the floor.

Lillard also came up big down the stretch and was 17 of 17 from the free throw line. What a way to make an entrance. “That’s what I’m here to do,” said Lillard. “I came here to be a part of winning.”

New Bucks Head Coach Adrian Griffin praised his team’s resolve and Lillard’s performance “Dame is Dame. We knew what we were getting. He’s a big-time player. They do special things.” Griffin also cautioned “win or lose, it’s just one game. We have a lot of work to do.”

True. Yet for one night, the first night…What a show.