Saturday afternoon two Eastern Conference powerhouses met for the 2nd time this week. The Bucks and 76ers played Thursday in Milwaukee and the Bucks came away with a 124-117 win. The 76ers would look to bounce back as the two teams met in Milwaukee again on Saturday.
The Bucks came into this game with a 36-22 record and battling for one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference. They are led by former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo who is having yet another great year. This season he is averaging 28.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
The 76ers are also having a great season and sitting atop the Eastern Conference. They came into Saturday’s game with a 39-20 record. Joel Embiid is the man for the 76ers. Embiid is firmly in MVP talks and for good reason, he is averaging 30 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, the 76ers were without their star Embiid as well as Ben Simmons in Saturday’s game.
Bucks Run Wild
The Bucks ran wild on Saturday against the 76ers. They dominated every facet of the game and it led to a dominant blowout victory over one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams. It helped that the 76ers were without Embiid and Simmons.
The Bucks’ offense was great shooting over 50% from the field. They also made 18 three-point buckets and recorded 33 assists in what turned out to be an offensive clinic. Seven Bucks player finished with double-digit point totals.
The offense was great and so was the defense on Saturday. They held the 76ers to just 37.8% from the field and 22.6% from the three-point line. They recorded 4 blocks as a team as well as forcing 17 turnovers and 11 steals. Everything was clicking for the Bucks on Saturday.
Antetokounmpo led the way for his team as he scored 24 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and dished out 7 assists. Big man Bobby Portis added 17 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. Bryn Forbes and Jordan Nwora also both added 13 off the bench for their team.
Sixers Struggles
The 76ers looked rough with their stars Embiid and Simmons as they lost their 4th straight game of the season.
There were some positives for the 76ers in this game though, like the bench play. Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey both scored 15 points off the bench. Dwight Howard scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, recording a double-double off the bench.
Seth Curry was the only 76ers starter to finish with double-digit points as he scored 13.
This game has to be looked at with context as if the 76ers have Embiid and Simmons it’s hard to imagine this game not being much more competitive.
What’s Next?
With the win, the Bucks now sit at 37-22 and the 3rd seed in the east. Right behind the 76ers, who fell to 39-21 with the loss.
The 76ers will look to get healthy and get back to their winning ways. Their next game is on Monday and comes against a Western Conference foe; the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Bucks have a quick turnaround as they will go on the road to face Atlanta on Sunday.
