3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ thrilling win over Philadelphia 76ers
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Big 3 propelled yet another fourth-quarter comeback, having dominated in the final period
The Bucks trailed by eight points entering the fourth quarter, which quickly became a 10 point lead after the 76ers scored on the first possession of the period. As it looked like Philadelphia might be ready to pull away, Milwaukee’s Big 3 turned things up a notch and took this game over by scoring 31 of the team’s 37 points in the fourth.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee by scoring 12 points in the period, shooting an efficient 4-of-6 from the floor. His baskets were not easy either, as the Greek Freak constantly had to fight down low against an array of Philadelphia defenders. Still, perhaps Antetokounmpo’s most impressive shot of the night was a mid-range jumper to put the Bucks up by three points with just under two minutes left to play, as it showed off his confidence in that shot. In the end, it was a big basket as the Bucks won by just two points.
Right behind Antetokounmpo was Jrue Holiday, who had been struggling for most of the night up until the fourth. Entering the final period with eight points, Holiday flipped the switch as he scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the fourth. That included knocking down both of his 3-point tries, one of which put the Bucks up by four points with under a minute and a half to go. No matter how poorly Holiday plays throughout the first three quarters, he has oftentimes come to life in fourth quarters this season, and that trend thankfully carried on last night.
Last but certainly not least was Khris Middleton, who chipped in nine points on 3-of-4 shooting in the final period. Not only was Middleton hitting clutch jumper after clutch jumper, but he was also facilitating at a high level as he dished out five assists in that same timeframe. He was responsible for several big baskets by Antetokounmpo and Lopez’s aforementioned clutch triple, having made a sizeable impact down the stretch. All of that goes without mentioning that Middleton was a +13 in the final period, the highest on the Milwaukee Bucks.
The dominance by Milwaukee’s leading trio down the stretch of this game was beyond impressive as they willed this team back into the contest and to a hard-fought victory.