At a Glance
- Philadelphia 76ers win 139-122 over the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Paul George scores 32 points, Joel Embiid adds 29, and Tyrese Maxey contributes 22.
- The victory comes after a back-to-back, with the Sixers hosting the Kings next.
- Why it matters: The win solidifies Philadelphia’s standing in the Eastern Conference and showcases the depth of its roster.
The Philadelphia 76ers secured a decisive 139-122 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. With Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey each delivering standout performances, the Sixers extended their winning streak and positioned themselves for a playoff push.
Game Summary
The game opened with early three-point pressure from George and rookie VJ Edgecombe, giving Philadelphia a 9-2 lead. Both George and Embiid returned from a non-contest Monday in Charlotte, where the Hornets won by 37 points. Embiid dominated the first quarter, posting 18 points and three assists, and racking up six offensive rebounds.
Maxey’s alley-oop slam with Embiid in the second quarter sparked a surge that kept the Bucks from catching up. Despite a strong start from Milwaukee’s Myles Turner, who scored 31 points, the Sixers’ balanced attack kept them ahead.
In the third quarter, George exploded with 10 points in the first four minutes, while Embiid continued to contribute offensively. The Bucks’ zone defense was countered by Edgecombe’s corner three and Embiid’s mid-range jumper.
George’s shooting remained relentless; he finished 9-for-15 from beyond the arc, setting a new Sixer record for long-range shots in a single game. Embiid added a clutch three with 4:04 left in the fourth quarter, cementing the victory.
Key Performances
- Paul George – 32 points, five assists, five rebounds.
- Joel Embiid – 29 points, nine boards, five assists.
- Tyrese Maxey – 22 points, nine assists.
- Myles Turner – 31 points for Milwaukee.
- Ryan Rollins – 24 points for Milwaukee.
The absence of Quentin Grimes due to a right ankle sprain left the Sixers to rely on their bench depth. Jared McCain and Justin Edwards stepped up, each hitting catch-and-shoot threes on their first attempts.
Strategic Adjustments
With Grimes out and Edgecombe fouling early, the Sixers made several rotation changes. Dominick Barlow entered late in the second quarter, grabbed four offensive rebounds, and helped the team extend its lead. The bench contributions were crucial in maintaining momentum.
The Bucks were missing key players: Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf sprain), Kevin Porter Jr. (right oblique muscle strain), and Taurean Prince (neck surgery). These absences weakened Milwaukee’s frontcourt and allowed the Sixers to exploit mismatches.
Box Score Highlights
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul George | 76ers | 32 | 5 | 5 |
| Joel Embiid | 76ers | 29 | 9 | 5 |
| Tyrese Maxey | 76ers | 22 | 4 | 9 |
| Myles Turner | Bucks | 31 | 6 | 4 |
| Ryan Rollins | Bucks | 24 | 7 | 2 |
Looking Ahead
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. With a 25-21 record, the Sixers aim to keep their playoff aspirations alive. The coaching staff will likely continue to emphasize depth, especially given the injuries on both sides.
The Bucks, after a 18-27 season record, will need to regroup. Their next game will test how well they can compensate for the absence of their star players.
Key Takeaways
- The Sixers’ balanced offense, highlighted by George’s shooting and Embiid’s inside presence, proved decisive.
- Bench depth proved vital, with McCain, Edwards, and Barlow contributing significant points.
- Milwaukee’s injury list weakened their frontcourt, allowing Philadelphia to dominate.
- The win positions the Sixers favorably as they approach the postseason, while the Bucks face challenges ahead.
The game showcased the resilience and depth of the Philadelphia 76ers, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
