The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers faced off Sunday in a possible future playoff matchup, and MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo proved the difference.
Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 35 points with nine rebounds and seven assists, while hitting 14 of 23 shots from the field as the Bucks overcame a 20-point deficit. The 6-11 point guard also did a nice job running the offense against Philadelphia's underrated defense.
Eric Bledsoe added 22 points with seven assists and five rebounds, and Khris Middleton, John Henson, Jabari Parker and Tyler Zeller all scored at least 10 points, proving Milwaukee has a number of weapons.
Dario Saric led the 76ers with 25 points. Ben Simmons added 12 points and 15 assists, but Philadelphia committed 26 turnovers Sunday and has now lost three out of its last five games after a seven-game winning streak.
Despite the loss, the 76ers (34-28) remained a game ahead of Bucks (34-29) for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference. The two teams could still face off in the first round as they are just 2 and 2 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for third in the standings.
Stud of the Night:
Phoenix Suns stars Elfrid Payton and T.J. Warren both put up impressive numbers, but Phoenix still fell 113-112 to the Hawks. Payton recorded a triple-double (11 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds). Warren added 35 points and four rebounds.
Dud of the Night:
Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. has enjoyed a phenomenal season, but he was wildly inaccurate in Sunday's 126-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Smith scored 23 points with eight assists, but he shot just 9 of 22 from the floor. Dallas is concentrated on the future, and Smith will have to add some consistency on the court to become a team leader.
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