Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 119-98 win over Philadelphia 76ers

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 22: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 22: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 22: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 22: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Breaking through

If there was any component of their victory that showcased how the Bucks were able to play their game, look no further than being able to play with pace and compile an incredible amount of scoring opportunities on the break.

The Bucks regularly took advantage of the 76ers’ scrambling, undisciplined transition defense and it was Middleton who showed off his superb outlet passing skills to throw dimes to a sprinting Antetokounmpo as he set up shop right in front of the basket.

That, along with the Bucks being able to hit all types of shots in transition, led to them tallying 31 fast break points on the night, the fifth-highest amount of points they’ve scored in that department, per NBA.com/stats. Philadelphia attempted to keep up with the Bucks in that regard by scoring 23 fast break points, which is the fourth-highest amount of fast break points they’ve allowed to an opponent this year.

Milwaukee’s halfcourt defense proved to be that enforcing and suffocating to the 76ers’ offense that their own problems getting back and defending in transition virtually had no effects on their 21-point victory over Philadelphia. That’s the stuff of elite teams right there.

The Bucks set off to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards Monday night for a 6pm CT tip off.