Onyeka Okongwu’s Atlanta Hawks outclassed the Milwaukee Bucks 123-113 in their first preseason game at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. 

Okongwu was impressive, clocking 26 minutes on the court. He contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists to the win while Nwora for the Bucks had six points, five rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes of a game that saw superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo return to the court for his first preseason game of the 2022/23 campaign.

Giannis led the Bucks in scoring with 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists while Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 25 points, eight rebounds and nine assists while point guard Trae Young followed with 22 points, two rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes on the court.

Nwora who had 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists in their first preseason game of the season returned to the bench with the return of Giannis in the starting lineup. Okongwu who missed several games of the 2021/22 season due to a shoulder injury will be hoping to compete for more roster time with starting centre, Clint Capella this season. 

It is the third season in the league for both players. Okongwu was a first round sixth overall selection by the Hawks while the Bucks selected Nwora at No. 45 of the second round in the 2020 NBA draft.