Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 109-105 win over Philadelphia 76ers
Somehow, some way, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off one of their best and most unlikely victories of the 2020-21 season.
Milwaukee’s 109-105 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night came by the skin of their teeth and staging what was a highly improbable comeback. But the Bucks prevailed after a few lapses late, all in time to earn their fifth straight victory and as their team is hopefully changing for the better with the reported addition of P.J. Tucker.
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Of course, the Bucks’ first clash with the 76ers came without Philadelphia having their All-Star big man Joel Embiid and his absence surely showed.
Still, the Bucks and the 76ers both battled through elements and eventually traded blows back and forth late to set up the frantic finishes in regulation and overtime. And it led to the Bucks picking up their win in their first overtime game this season.
So without further ado, let’s explore what all stood out from the Milwaukee Bucks’ thrilling win over the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night.
First takeaway from win over 76ers — The Milwaukee Bucks’ abysmal first half performance
It’s safe to say the Bucks couldn’t have started out Wednesday’s game on a rougher note. The surreal start certainly was shared by Bucks fans and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially reports of the Bucks acquiring P.J. Tucker surfaced.
Giannis on the PJ Tucker trade happening right before the game, and several players not being able to play: "It's weird to show up for work and not see your co-workers."
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 18, 2021
How much that sent a shock to the system set the tone for the Bucks’ first half overall as they played well below the standards, especially offensively.
The Bucks scored a meager 31 points in the first half, easily their lowest in a half this season, while shooting 26.7 percent from the field and going 1-for-17 from three (5.9 percent). Worse than anything was the sloppy handles the Bucks showed as 13 of their 22 turnovers on the night came over the first half.
Save for Bucks star guard Jrue Holiday, who had cracked double digits with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, the Bucks couldn’t into gear whatsoever with their offense.
Fortunately, their defense was holding the 76ers’ in check and ultimately served as their biggest lifeline as they went on to stage their eventual comeback over the second half.