Sixers Drop Third Straight Game in Loss to Bucks

The Sixers would hit the road on Thursday to kick off a mini-series against the Milwaukee Bucks. They would be looking to end their losing skid after dropping their previous two games.

Between an offensive barrage from the Bucks and still playing shorthanded, the Sixers would fall short in game one of this series. Despite a strong push in the fourth quarter, the Bucks would walk away with a 124-117 victory.

The Sixers would be without Ben Simmons and Furkan Korkmaz on Thursday, but they would get some reinforcements. Tobias Harris and Seth Curry would both make their return to the floor after missing time.

Both would give good production in their return to action. Harris would rack up 18 points and six assists, and Curry would score 11, including shooting a stellar 3-3 from beyond the arc.

One silver lining of this tough loss is Shake Milton getting back on track. He had been in a bit of funk for the last week but would turn things around against the Bucks. Milton would end the night as the Sixers' second-leading scorer with 20 points, shooting 8-14 from the floor and 3-5 from three.

Joel Embiid continues to give his all to keep the Sixers afloat. This onslaught from the Bucks would be too much to combat, even from one of the league's top players. He would end the night as the Sixers' top scorer with 24 points to go with three rebounds and three assists.

Rest would play a huge factor in this game. The Bucks came into this game having not played since Monday. Meanwhile, the Sixers would be flying in for the second leg of a back-to-back. While it's no excuse, it was clear one team was fresher than the other.

The Bucks' offense was rolling from the opening tip. After hitting their first nine shots to start the game, they created separation and never let up. They would maintain their efficiency all game, shooting over 50% from the field and beyond the arc.

To no surprise, Giannis Antetokounmpo would lead the charge for Milwaukee. The reigning two-time MVP would go off for 27 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.

The Sixers now find themselves losers of three straight as they try to stay alive through this tough stretch of games. Luckily for them, they now have a day off before round two with the Bucks.

The season finale between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams will go down Saturday in an afternoon matchup.