Anthony Davis had to wait more than nine months for his first regular-season game with the Washington Wizards. He made the wait worth it. Davis scored 34 points on 11-of-20 shooting, going 11-of-14 from the free-throw line, and added 12 rebounds and four assists as the Wizards beat the Milwaukee Bucks 128-116 in their season opener on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena.

It was Davis’ first regular-season appearance since Jan. 8, when he was still with the Dallas Mavericks. Washington acquired the 10-time All-Star in an eight-player trade in February, but he was injured at the time and never suited up for the Wizards last season.

The home crowd let him know how much his debut meant. Fans broke into “MVP” chants for Davis before the first quarter was even over, and the chants returned as he stood at the free-throw line later in the game.

Davis was at his best when Washington needed him most. The Wizards struggled from deep early, missing 18 of their first 22 three-point attempts, and trailed for much of the night. Davis poured in 18 points in the third quarter to help keep them in it.

Washington finally pulled ahead when Deandre Ayton’s dunk made it 97-96 early in the fourth quarter. From there, the Wizards ripped off a 21-4 run to go up 111-98 with 7:26 remaining. Washington shot 63% after halftime and outscored Milwaukee 77-60 in the second half.

Trae Young added 20 points and 13 assists in his own strong showing alongside Davis.

The Wizards did it without No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who sat out with a sprained ankle. Davis bumped chests with the rookie on the sideline during the game.

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Tyler Herro led the Bucks with 24 points, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 22. Both arrived in Milwaukee in the trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. The game was also the first for new Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins.

If Davis can stay on the floor, Washington suddenly looks like a team capable of surprising people in the Eastern Conference.

The Wizards will look to make it two straight when they host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.