Game In Review: Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers

By Ti Windisch | Apr 10, 2016

Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) drives toward the net during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Bucks faced the lowly Philadelphia 76ers in their one and only trip to the Wells Fargo Center this season.

Starting Lineups – Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Ennis, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Miles Plumlee

Philadelphia 76ers: Ish Smith, Nik Stauskas, Robert Covington, Jerami Grant, Nerlens Noel

As the Milwaukee Bucks made their first trip of the season to Philadelphia to face off with the 76ers, they received a welcome boost to their prospects of winning. After a multiple game absence, Khris Middleton returned to the starting lineup and reminded the Bucks of exactly why they missed him so much.

In Milwaukee’s recent run of losses it became apparent that although Giannis and Jabari may possess more talent and grab more attention, Middleton is the glue that keeps the young Bucks together.

He opened the scoring with a smooth jumper as the perfect early reminder of that to set his team on their way.

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Unsurprisingly, it felt apparent in the early running that this game was there for the Bucks as long as they showed up. In spite of the action feeling a little disjointed, there weren’t many pushing against the tide in Philadelphia white.

The one man showing real resistance was Jerami Grant. Grant rolled off the first 10 Philadelphia points along with a couple of highlight blocks, along with forcing Jabari Parker to the bench with some early foul trouble.

Some nice work from Giannis at the line made sure that he got himself into rhythm early, while another big positive came from an early Rashad Vaughn triple. All in all the Bucks would have felt aggrieved to only be leading 29-23 after the first quarter.

Luckily the Bucks had a lot go their way in the second quarter. The 76ers played more like a team that started the season 1-30, and Khris Middleton continued to enjoy his time back on the floor.

Middleton would have nearly 20 points by halftime, the biggest reason Milwaukee held a 62-55 lead after the first two quarters. The lead could’ve been even bigger, but most Bucks not named Khris Middleton had a tough time scoring the basketball.

Giannis was the only other Buck with a double-digit scoring total at halftime. Middleton is very good and the 76ers are very bad, but one man just cannot outscore an entire team.

Especially when that man is not in the game. Middleton took a breather for the last four minutes of the third quarter. In those four minutes the Bucks lead dropped from 13 points down to six.

Even with Middleton back in, Milwaukee struggled in the fourth quarter. That six point lead shrunk down to two several times, including with just under six minutes left in the game.

John Henson stepped up big time in the fourth quarter though, scoring 12 of his 18 points to help Milwaukee stay on top. He could only do so much though, and the 76ers tied up the Bucks with just over two minutes left.

The hero for Milwaukee would end up being–who else–Middleton. Khash brought his scoring total up to 34 with a clutch floater with under two minutes on the clock. Unfortunately he fouled Nik Stauskas on the next possession, leading to yet another tied score.

A Middleton turnover followed, leading to an Ish Smith dunk. The 76ers lead stood at two points with just over half a minute left.

The Greek Freak returned fire with a lay-in following a Bucks timeout, tying up the score once more. The two teams were unable to score after that, meaning free basketball for all in Philadelphia.

The Bucks were able to win out in overtime thanks to just generally being a much better team than the 76ers. Fans of the tank might’ve liked to see Milwaukee drop this game, but losing to the Philadelphia 76ers is easier said than done.

Philly did make it a close, one-point game with just a few seconds left. That’s how the game would end though, with Milwaukee coming out on top for the 33rd time this season.

93. 109. 89. Final. 108

The Bucks are next in action against the Orlando Magic on Monday night, in Orlando.

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