NBA Bucks rout 76ers Doc Rivers return Philadelphia

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard lead Milwaukee Bucks to victory over Philadelphia 76ers in Doc Rivers' return. Bucks dominate game.

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 119-98 in Doc Rivers' return to Philadelphia. Rivers, who was fired by the 76ers after last season, coached the team from 2020-23. He expressed his gratitude for his time in Philadelphia and the friendships he made there, despite the chorus of boos he received from the sellout crowd during introductions.

The Bucks took control of the game early, with Damian Lillard scoring the first seven points for the team and finishing the first quarter with 11 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 30 points and added 12 rebounds and nine assists, helped extend the Bucks' lead to 21 points at halftime. Philadelphia never got closer than 12 points in the second half.

Rivers credited his team's emphasis on defense for their success, acknowledging that getting stops and getting Antetokounmpo in transition presents a challenge for their opponents. Malik Beasley and Bobby Portis Jr. also contributed to the Bucks' victory, with Beasley highlighting the importance of communication among the team.

On the 76ers' side, Tyrese Maxey and De'Anthony Melton led the team in scoring, but they have struggled since losing Joel Embiid to a left knee injury in January. Coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the team's need for better organization and a more cohesive offensive strategy given their current lineup.

Overall, the Bucks' dominant performance and the 76ers' continued challenges highlight the importance of defensive strategy and offensive organization in the context of NBA basketball.