The Milwaukee Bucks’ winning streak wasn’t going to last forever
The Bucks saw their 16-game winning streak ended by the Philadelphia 76ers, 133-130, in a nationally televised battle between the Eastern Conference powerhouses on Saturday night at Fiserv Forum.
It was the third-longest winning streak in franchise history, trailing only the 1970-71 team’s 20-game winning streak and the 2019-20 team’s 18-game winning streak.
THE SCORE OF THE BOX:76ers 133, Bucks 130
The 76ers rallied from a 99-85 fourth quarter deficit, getting the go-ahead three-pointer from Joel Embiid in the final minute.
Grayson Allen and the Bucks warm up from three-point territory in the third quarter
The Bucks looked like they could pull away as they got hot from long range in the third quarter.
First, Jrue Holiday hit a triple back from the right corner for an 80-71 advantage with just over 5 minutes left in the quarter. The Bucks’ next three field goals came from behind the three-point line, including two from Grayson Allen.
Allen had 20 points in the quarter, including 6 three-pointers, tying the most of any Bucks player in a quarterback this season. The Bucks had a 99-85 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo faces 76ers for first time since ladder incident
It was the first meeting between the Bucks and 76ers since the highly publicized ladder incident Nov. 18 in Philadelphia. That brouhaha was kicked off by 76ers reserve Montrezl Harrell snatching the ball away from Antetokounmpo during postgame free throw work.
Antetokounmpo scored 13 points in the first half as the Bucks took a 59-53 lead at the break. He attacked the paint for Milwaukee’s first points, then in the waning seconds of the first half, he passed former teammate PJ Tucker for the lay-in.
The Bucks turned to Antetokounmpo’s offensive attacks in the fourth quarter when the game got closer.
After the 76ers rallied to tie the game at 108-108 with 6:05 remaining, Antetokounmpo converted a three-point play. He then made two free throws for a 118-114 advantage.
He missed a brief look in the lane in the final minute, then the 76ers’ Joel Embiid hit a three-pointer with 42 seconds left that gave Philadelphia a 127-125 lead. Antetokounmpo was also called up for a last-minute move.
Doc Rivers thrilled with Marquette season
It was a basketball double game at the Fiserv Forum on Saturday with the Marquette Golden Eagles ending their regular season with a 96-94 win over St. John’s. MU then celebrated their Big East regular season by cutting the nets before the pitch was changed for the Bucks game.
Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers then opened his pre-game press conference by stating “No. 6 Marquette won again.
The former United star went on to say he’s been watching more Golden Eagles games this season because he lives in Philadelphia’s Big East territory.
Rivers, who has a close relationship with United coach Shaka Smart, said he liked the way the Golden Eagles play.
“I think all NBA coaches want the same style when the ball flies,” Rivers said.
Smart was in the crowd during the Bucks game and was featured on the Jumbotron in the third quarter.
five numbers
31 Winning streaks of 15 or more games in NBA history. The Bucks have five.
7-2 Bucks record for first straight game this season
7 Points for Bobby Portis in the first quarter on a 3-on-3 shot
40 Fourth quarter points for the Bucks
18,100 Fans at the Fiserv Forum, a record season for the Bucks
The game of the game is Joel Embiid’s three-pointer
The Bucks defense was scrambling late in the final minute, but Embiid found himself wide open at the top of the key after a fine pass from James Harden and the 76ers star netted a three-pointer to take the lead for good.
Video of the game is Brook Lopez blocking Joel Embiid and hitting a three
Embiid could be an MVP candidate, but Brook Lopez has a strong case for an all-defensive team nod. The two massive crosses clashed in the second quarter, with Lopez fending off a layup attempt from Embiid.
Lopez’s teammate Jrue Holiday recovered the loose ball and, with Embiid slowly coming back on defense, hit Lopez with a pass for a wide-open three-pointer high up the key. The ball bounced friendly off the edge of the Fiserv Forum before settling into the net.
Who do the Bucks play next?
It will be a quick turnaround for the Bucks with a game against the Washington Wizards at 6 p.m. at Capital One Arena. In the last meeting between the teams, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 55 points in a 123-113 victory on January 3.
More:How Khris Middleton’s new mindset coming off the bench could bring extra dimension to Bucks in playoffs
More:Comedian Hasan Minhaj challenges Skip Bayless after Giannis’ comment on ‘The Daily Show’ is taken out of context
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bucks lost to 76ers 133-130 in ABC Saturday primetime game at Fiserv Forum
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