Larry Sanders
The Milwaukee Bucks fell behind early and rallied late to knock off the Memphis Grizzlies 86-83 in their NBA exhibition opener at the Resch Center in Green Bay on Wednesday night.
Chris Middleton, who led the Bucks with 17 points, hit a three-pointer with 23.9 seconds left to give the Bucks the lead for good. Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a pair of free throws to give the Bucks the final three-point margin.
Center Larry Sanders returned to the court for the first time since last February, scoring 10 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Rookie Jabari Parker added 14 points and eight rebounds, settling down in the second half after a nervous start.
Former Bucks and University of Wisconsin player Jon Leuer had 11 points to lead the Grizzlies. Zach Randolph added nine points.
Bucks coach Jason Kidd said he wanted to play just 12 players so he held out veteran O.J. Mayo. Kidd said Mayo would play tonight when the Bucks face the Pistons in Detroit and somebody else will sit.
AUDIO: Jason Kidd on the Bucks victory :22
AUDIO: Larry Sanders said it’s great to be back on the court again :17
AUDIO: Jabari Parker on his 1st game :09