The Bucks went into Thursday’s match up against the Eastern Conference leading 76ers 3.5 games back with 16 games to go. They had two consecutive games against the 76ers to help close the gap. They took care of business Thursday. They went into Saturdays game with the chance to gain a second game on Philly and sweep the season series. The Bucks looked strong all night in a route winning 132-94. But how did it happen?
The Real MVP Played
There was and is a huge debate in the MVP race. Jokic, Embiid, and Antetokounmpo right now being the front runners, these Embiid/Giannis match ups are huge. Unfortunately for fans, only the reigning back to back MVP played. However, Giannis did perform, scoring 24 points on 9-12 shooting. He also recorded 14 rebounds and 7 assists. All in just 24 minutes. Also in this game Giannis scored his 12,000 for the Bucks. Making him just the third player in franchise history to accomplish that. Giannis still wasn’t done with his big night as he then preceded to pass Glenn ‘Big Dog” Robinson (12,010) for scoring in franchise history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo just passed Glenn Robinson for second place on the Bucks' all-time scoring list with 12,012 career points.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is still a little ways off in first with 14,211 points.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 24, 2021
The Bucks Bench
Giannis wasn’t the only player having a good night. In fact the bench had a great night, scoring 76 points. The highest mark for the team since 1989 when the bench scored 79 points against Sacramento.
Also not only did they score a lot, but everyone that was suited for the game played, and hit the stat sheet with points. Leading the way was Portis with 17, while Nwora and Forbes each put in 13. Connaughton also hit double digits with 11.
What Does This Mean?
The Bucks got closer to the 76ers in the playoffs and now sit just 1.5 games back of the second seed in the East. They also only sit 2.5 games behind the Nets for the first seed and home court throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs. With just 14 games to go the Bucks still have time to catch both. Especially with two games left against the Nets. This win also gave the Bucks the regular season sweep of the 76ers. A team that they could likely see at some point in the playoffs.
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Whats Next?
4/25 (Sunday)
Hawks(33-27)vs Bucks(36-22)
At State Farm Arena
6:30pm CT
On NBATV/Bally Sports
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