NBA: The Bucks bash the Sixers at home as Giannis Antetokounmpo makes history
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The Bucks took full control over the Sixers on Saturday and drew closer to them in the Eastern Conference, with only weeks to go until playoff time.
Saturday’s game between the Bucks and 76ers was an emphatic statement from the hosts. Philly saw itself massacred by 38 points in an embarrassing 132-94 loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (26) had a historic game, scoring 24 points and moving into second-place on the Bucks’ all-time scoring list behind NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Bucks have now won all three scheduled games against the Sixers, who were playing Saturday’s game without stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Their absences played a noticeable role in Philly’s terrible performance, and the game for the most part wasn’t nearly as close as it should have been. To their credit, the Sixers got as close as just one point in the third quarter before the Bucks turned the heat way back up, pulling away for good.
In addition to his 24 points, Giannis also pulled down 14 rebounds and seven assists. Bobby Portis came off the bench to pitch in with 17 points and eight rebounds. Also, Jordan Nwora and Bryn Forbes had good games as reserves scoring 13 points each.
For the Sixers, their reserves stepped up while their starting five couldn’t get much going as Shane Milton and Tyrese Maxey led the team with 15 points each. And Dwight Howard put up 12 points, while bringing down 12 boards.
Sunday night, the Bucks go down to Atlanta to face the Hawks while on Monday night, the Sixers host the Thunder
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In New York, the Raptors put up a good fight, but it wasn’t enough to bring down the Knicks as they lost 120-103. And the Pacers put away the Pistons at home 115-109, while the Heat got back into the win column by beating the Bulls 106-101.
The Spurs squeaked by the Pelicans 110-108, while the Lakers were held to just 14 fourth-quarter points, losing to the Mavs 108-93. And the Timberwolves beat the Jazz for the second time this season, 101-96.
Out west, the Nuggets made out easy, winning over the Rockets in a high-scoring affair 129-116.
On Sunday, the Suns are in Brooklyn to play the Nets and the Warriors play host to the Kings out west.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI