Milwaukee hired Rivers last month to replace Adrian Griffin. Philadelphia let Doc go in May after the 76ers’ exit in the NBA Playoffs.City of Brotherly Dub.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/VN6CFIzDqv
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 25, 2024
Malik Beasley tallied 20 points and Bobby Portis pitched in 17 markers and five rebounds in the Bucks’ 37th win of the season.
The Bucks were able to take control of the match in the first half, building a 14-point lead in the first quarter and extending it to 21 by halftime on an insane full-court pass by Giannis to Brook Lopez.
Giannis full-court pass to Brook to beat the buzzer! pic.twitter.com/nReHnkcI9F
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 25, 2024
The 76ers outscored the Bucks 34-26 in the third to cut the deficit down to 13, but they were unable to threaten Milwaukee any further.
Philadelphia was still missing reigning MVP Joel Embiid and relied on All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey for offense. He finished with 24 points on 8-of-19 shooting and seven assists.
Paul Reed added 13 points and eight rebounds, followed by Buddy Hield with 11. Tobias Harris was limited to only eight points. De’Anthony Melton and Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed off the bench with 16 and 12 points respectively for the Sixers.
With a pair of free throws with 3:23 left in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo became the 78th player in NBA history to score 18,000 points.
The Bucks’ all-time scoring leader is just the eighth active player to reach the milestone, joining a group that includes Lillard.
Meanwhile, Dame became just the 51st player to score at least 20,000 points earlier this year.
