3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ thrilling win over Philadelphia 76ers
By Dalton Sell
Giannis Antetokounmpo made a statement in a battle of the MVPs as the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Philadelphia 76ers
In addition to the storyline regarding the standings, another sizeable focus in this matchup was how it would impact the ongoing MVP race. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid have both been prominent candidates this season, and many believed this contest could turn some heads down the final stretch of the regular season with the award still up for grabs. Well, not only did Giannis and the Bucks get the win, but Antetokounmpo outright dominated the MVP battle.
Propelled by his massive fourth quarter, Antetokounmpo finished with 40 points on 66.7 percent shooting from the field. The Greek Freak was in attack mode from start to finish, finishing close to the hoop while also showing off his versatility with an array of jumpers mixed in. He also hit seven of his 10 free throw attempts, which was a large boost. While his scoring will rightfully garner the most attention, Antetokounmpo completely stuffed the stat sheet as he totaled 14 rebounds, six assists, three insanely clutch blocked shots, and one steal.
In a night full of big plays by Antetokounmpo, the biggest certainly came in the closing seconds as the Bucks led by two and the 76ers had the ball. After a missed go-ahead three by James Harden, Embiid grabbed the offensive board and put up the game-tying shot, but Antetokounmpo pinned it against the glass to save the game and force a jump ball upon review. Clutch plays like this are the reason Antetokounnmpo is currently favored to win this year’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Embiid was no slouch in this one as he tallied 29 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, but the Greek Freak unquestionably got the upper hand with his 40 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and three blocked shots in the victory. Perhaps this win will spark a late push for the latter’s MVP case.
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Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will have little time to celebrate as they have another formidable matchup ahead with the Brooklyn Nets on the schedule for Thursday. Be sure to catch the action at 6:30 p.m. CST on TNT.