Don’t let the final score fool you.
The Sixers and Bucks faced off in Milwaukee on Sunday, Feb. 9. While the final score would have one think the game was competitive, the level of play between the two teams in the second half could not have been greater. Despite initially holding their own against the Bucks, albeit without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Sixers’ defensive inability outlasted their offensive prowess, ultimately giving Milwaukee an easy win.
What worked for the Sixers
The Sixers did well to keep pace with the Bucks through the first two quarters. Scoring 63 first-half points, both Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid held down the scoring load early on en route to their combined 66-point performance.
Maxey continues to thrive, once again scoring 27-plus points, his 18th straight game with as many points, while Joel Embiid was electric offensively from the start of the game. The Maxey—Embiid connection is as good as ever despite the missed time, and their chemistry will go a long way toward righting this ship sooner rather than later.
One more small success was the debut of guard Jared Butler. The Sixers acquired Butler in a deal that sent Reggie Jackson to the Washinton Wizards and swapped some draft assets. For Philadelphia, it was an opportunity to get younger and better at the lead guard position, though Butler, who is on a two-way contract, still needs some guidance to unlock his potential.
Fellow new Sixer Quentin Grimes was also mostly effective in this game, though he wasn’t nearly as efficient as the Sixers would like. Still, Grimes found ways, in addition to his outside shot, to serve the team, finishing with a total of 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
What didn’t
In a word, defense.
As has been the case for much of this season, the Sixers couldn’t stop a bucket from range.
The Milwaukee Bucks knocked down an incredible 24 shots from beyond the arc. Without Giannis on the court, they quickly pivoted to an arrival attack and saw tremendous success against a Sixers team that has struggled to defend the three all season.
Nick Nurse, known as a defensive tactician, continues to roll out undersized three-guard lineups. In this game, opting for Jared Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Eric Gordon at the same time. The size component isn’t the only factor in the team’s terrible defense, but it’s the factor that remains in Nurse’s hands, the easiest for him to impact and improve.
Ultimately, the team must decide if they are interested in defending, but the Sixers have done themselves no favors in that department.
Up next for the Sixers
Philadelphia will take the court next Tuesday as they face the Toronto Raptors at home. You can catch them on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live, as always, at 97.5 FM, The Fanatic.
