Following the news that Tyrese Maxey is expected to miss the rest of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers took to the court to face the Milwaukee Bucks. The Sixers were once again the definition of shorthanded but came out of the gates storming, thanks to the efforts of rookie Adem Bona.
What went right
The Sixers dominated the Bucks in the early goings, outscoring Milwaukee 39-25 in the first quarter. Guerschon Yabusele and Jared Butler played a key role in the early lead, but the star of the show was rookie big man Adem Bona.
Selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Bona was not expected to play much of a role this season behind Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond. Obviously, that plan hit the fan, and Bona has played an increasingly larger role as the season has progressed, making his sixth start in this game.
Bona dropped a career-high 28 points on 13-14 shooting to go along with six rebounds and five stocks (steal plus blocks). The Sixers’ rookie was dominant, especially offensively, having his way against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
The continued development of Bona has been a welcome sight, but this game truly stood out as an arrival of sorts. The Sixers hoped that Bona would one day develop into a reliable backup center. That moment has come far sooner than expected, and his future may be brighter than initially predicted.
What went wrong
Unfortunately, the Milwaukee Bucks, who were sleepwalking, if not dead, during the first quarter, found new life, opening the second quarter on a 15-0 run and retaking the lead.
The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, were simply too talented for the Sixers to hold off forever. Milwaukee looked quite comfortable storming back against the Sixers, winning the game 126-113
Not much more could have been expected from the Sixers in this matchup. They managed to show plenty of fight once again, their young players continued to develop, and they did so without compromising their draft position. Mission accomplished.
Sixers standings update
The New Orleans Pelicans had the night off but took a loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, so this matchup serves the Sixers by pulling them within one and a half games once again
As for teams who did play, the Brooklyn Nets are currently trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves by double digits, suggesting that another loss is in order. This would keep the Nets even behind the Sixers by two games, with only five games remaining this season.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers will stay local as they prepare to welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves into town on Saturday, April 5. Minnesota is coming off a convincing win in Brooklyn over the Nets and is looking to continue climbing the Western Conference standings in this final stretch.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live, as always, at 97.5 the Fanatic.
