Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks Light Up 76ers in Milwaukee
After an efficient shooting night in the matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, the Philadelphia 76ers got a taste of their own medicine in their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
The Sixers had an opportunity to defeat the Bucks for the third time in four meetings this season on Sunday. The Bucks clearly had other plans, as they couldn’t miss a shot out of the gate.
Through the first quarter of action, the Bucks drained 70 percent of their field goal attempts. Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo put up ten points each, helping the Bucks outscore the Sixers 41-26.
The first quarter would set the tone for the night. The Sixers managed to cut down Milwaukee’s 20-point lead in the second quarter. With Tyrese Maxey making all but one of his shots from the field for eight points and James Harden producing nine points of his own, Philadelphia managed to get the game within 16 points at halftime.
This season, the Sixers proved they shouldn't be ruled out in the second half, even when they get off to a slow start and trail by double digits. Riding the hot hand that was Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers got 13 points out of the young guard as he helped Philly outscore the Bucks 29-27 in the third quarter.
While it seemed the Sixers had a chance to possibly climb back with a late rally, it wouldn’t be long before Doc Rivers threw in the towel. Embiid landing four fouls in the third quarter led Rivers to take the big man out of his usual rotation spots.
And a game-high of five turnovers from the team’s top playmaker James Harden made it difficult for the Sixers to gain some much-needed rhythm on offense. Anytime there were glimpses of a potential comeback run for Philly, the Bucks would quickly put a stop to it.
Milwaukee controlled the game from start to finish and never lost the lead on Sunday night. They put the Sixers away with a 117-104 win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 33 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three blocked shots. Brook Lopez scored 21 points in 31 minutes, while Bobby Portis gave the Bucks a solid effort off the bench as he scored 18 points in 27 minutes.
With that loss, the Sixers fall to 51-27 on the year. The matchup won’t impact much on the playoff front, but it’s certainly a tough pill to swallow, considering Sunday’s game was a final look at a potential playoff opponent before the postseason arrives.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
