The Philadelphia 76ers made a big statement to the Eastern Conference as they left Milwaukee with a 130-125 victory over the Bucks.
A superstar showdown between Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokuonmpo is what took place Sunday afternoon at Fiserv Forum.
At several points during the game, the international MVP candidates traded blows in what was a potential postseason preview. The Greek Freak scored a career high 52 points while racking 16 boards and seven assists. Embiid put up an impressive stat line of his own with 40 points and 15 boards.
The Philadelphia 76ers got off to an early lead and never looked back. They are 4-0 since Embiid returned to the lineup last Sunday. Philadelphia is currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference, just one game ahead of the Indiana Pacers. The Sixers are 6-1 when the full starting five plays.
The bench still remains a concern as once again, the load was carried by the starting five. This is a problem that will need to be solved in some fashion before the playoffs begin.
The Bucks were also shorthanded as 2017 Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a plantar fascia tear.
Although the Sixers won this contest by five points, it never felt as close as the score. They were in control for most of it, despite a few sloppy turnovers, missed defensive assignments, and open misses from the Bucks.
James Ennis had two three-point shots but was a non-factor for the rest of the game. T.J. McConnell hit on a couple of his signature elbow jumpers.
A scary moment occurred in the third quarter when Giannis Antetokuonmpo landed on Embiid’s foot and rolled his ankle. He lied on the floor for a minute as the Milwaukee crowd gasped watching their superstar rile in pain. He would stand up, tie his shoe, and finish the game strong.
Mike Scott fell about three rows into the crowd after charging for a loose ball. He took a sip of a fan’s beverage and hustled back on defense.
It was that type of game for the Sixers.
The Sixers will head to Charlotte on Tuesday night before another key matchup at home against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.