For the first time since January 21st, the Milwaukee Bucks lost a game. Milwaukee's 16 game heater came to a screeching halt Saturday night at Fiserv Forum at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden led a 48 point 4th quarter for Philly with a game high 38 points.
The Bucks seized control of the game with a 40 point period of their own to start the second half. Grayson Allen dropped 20 in that 3rd quarter including six triples, the final of which put the Bucks up 95-77. The Sixers didn't take the lead back until Joel Embiid knocked down a three with 41.4 remaining. Giannis was just 9-21 from the floor, but finished with 34 points thanks to the Greek Freak going 16 of 18 from the foul line.
“They went wherever they wanted to go, scoring from the paint, floaters, isos, offensive rebounds, free throws, 3s," said Giannis about Philadelphia in the 4th quarter. "You name it. They were able to get everything. We’ve got to be able to play 48 minutes of good basketball, defend for 48 minutes. This is a good lesson for us.”
These two teams could very well see each other in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Milwaukee stills holds a half game lead over the Boston Celtics for 1st place, but with the Sixers sitting firmly in the third seed, whoever does not secure home court advantage will most likely see Philly in the second round.
The Bucks won't have to wait long for their chance to start a new winning streak, Milwaukee faces the Wizards in DC Sunday night at 6:30.