NBA roundup: Giannis denies Embiid in epic Bucks win, Nets bounce back
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Giannis Antetokounmpo came up with a game-winning block on Joel Embiid after scoring 40 points in the Milwaukee Bucks' crucial 118-116 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo rose to block Embiid's attempt to level the scores with less than two seconds left on the clock, with head coach Mike Budenholzer labelling it "special."
The Greek superstar finished with 40 points on 66% shooting with 14 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.
The Bucks' win is significant in the race for Eastern Conference seeds, moving Milwaukee (47-28) into second behind the Miami Heat (48-28), while the 76ers (46-29) slip to fourth.
Khris Middleton added 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists and Jrue Holiday contributed 18 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.
Embiid finished with 29 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, while James Harden had 32 points making four-of-10 from beyond the arc, with five rebounds and nine assists.
Around the league
Paul George marked his first game since December 22 with 34 points including six three-pointers as the Los Angeles Clippers fought back from 25 points down to win 121-115 over the Utah Jazz, who have now lost five in a row. The Clippers finished the game on a 34-12 run.
Kevin Durant scored 41 points with 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks while Kyrie Irving managed 24 points in his second home appearance as the Brooklyn Nets won 130-123 over the Detroit Pistons.
The Chicago Bulls found some form after winning only four of their past 15 games with an important 107-94 win over the Washington Wizards led by DeMar DeRozan with 32 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
The Los Angeles Lakers' struggles continued with a heavy 128-110 loss to the Dallas Mavericks as Luka Dončić recorded a triple-double with 34 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. The Mavs led by as much as 37 points.
The Lakers, who were without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are 31-44 and slip to 11th out of the west's play-in spots.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Agencia EFE