Tyrese Maxey ignites third-quarter surge, securing seventh seed for Sixers. Bucks face offseason questions as Doc Rivers departs.
The Philadelphia 76ers closed the regular season with a convincing 126-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The win caps off a turbulent season for Philadelphia and leaves Milwaukee with many questions to ask during the offseason.
The game shifted in the third quarter, when the Sixers went off for 38 points and turned a competitive game into a blowout. Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 21 points, 16 of which came from the third quarter. Quentin Grimes added 20 and provided spacing that stretched Milwaukee's defense. Philadelphia's depth proved to be the difference maker; their bench production and ball movement created high-quality looks that were converted at an efficient clip.
The Sixers also controlled the interior, with Andre Drummond anchoring the glass with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. This was backed by solid performances from Justin Edwards and Paul George. Philadelphia showed a balanced offensive attack in this game. This will be crucial now that Joel Embiid is sidelined indefinitely.
The win secured Philadelphia the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a play-in matchup with the Orlando Magic. Without Embiid, the Sixers' postseason hopes hinge on guard play, quick tempo, and a supporting cast that can complement Maxey's production.
For Milwaukee, this loss puts a bow on a disappointing season. There were solid efforts from players. Cormac Ryan had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and AJ Green had 19 points and made 5 threes. The wing finishes the season with a franchise record 231 made threes in a season, a bright spot in a season that has been filled with despondent play.
The bigger storyline extends beyond the box score. Head coach Doc Rivers is stepping away from the team, leaving the Bucks at a crossroads. After missing the postseason and closing the year with a 32-50 record, Milwaukee now faces an offseason defined by instability. With their third coaching search in as many years, the team will once again try to find someone who can give this team an identity to cling to and build from.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined late in the season, the Bucks lacked their talisman down the stretch. Now, the organization must determine how to rebuild around its core while navigating structural change in its front office.
Overall, Philadelphia leaves the regular season with a clear way forward. Their path is obvious: win and go into the postseason with an easier matchup. Milwaukee's future is far less certain, as they will have many decisions to make concerning the direction of their franchise.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at dixonwesley286@gmail.com.