Sixers Bounce Back in Style, Top Short-Handed Bucks Behind George’s Hot Hand
PHILADELPHIA - After a flat performance in Charlotte just 24 hours earlier, the Sixers returned home Tuesday night looking for a reset - and they got it in emphatic fashion. Hosting a Milwaukee Bucks squad missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia came out with energy, purpose, and a whole lot of shot-making, cruising to a 139-122 win at Wells Fargo Center.
The Sixers wasted no time jumping on the Bucks, building a 13-point cushion in the first half and never really looking back. Paul George led the charge with a red-hot shooting night, pouring in 32 points and tying a franchise record with nine made threes. Joel Embiid added his usual dominance, and the supporting cast came through in a big way to help Philadelphia snap back into the win column.
Let’s break down how each key contributor graded out in this bounce-back win:
Tyrese Maxey: A-
This was the version of Maxey the Sixers need consistently - aggressive, fearless, and relentless with the ball in his hands. After a quiet night in Charlotte, Maxey came out determined to attack.
He blew by defenders with his trademark burst and helped push the pace. While his shot wasn’t falling early, he found his rhythm late in the third quarter with a personal scoring run that gave the Sixers some breathing room.
With George and Embiid rolling, Maxey didn’t have to carry the load, but when the moment called for him, he delivered.
VJ Edgecombe: A-
Just one night after being named to the Rising Stars Challenge, Edgecombe showed exactly why he earned that nod. The rookie was everywhere - hitting threes, grabbing boards, dishing dimes, and even sending back a shot from Bobby Portis.
His feel for the game continues to shine, especially in the third quarter when he made several heady passes that led directly to Sixers buckets. Edgecombe’s versatility and energy are becoming essential to this team’s identity.
Paul George: A+
This was a Paul George masterclass. The veteran wing was dialed in from the opening tip, knocking down threes off crisp ball movement and playing within the flow of the offense.
He didn’t force anything - he just took what the defense gave him and made them pay again and again. His third-quarter scoring surge was crucial, helping the Sixers hold off Milwaukee’s push.
And when the Bucks tried to rally late, George kept the door shut with more perimeter daggers. His nine made threes tied a Sixers record, but it was the way he got them - within the rhythm of the team - that stood out.
Joel Embiid: A
From the opening minutes, Embiid let it be known: the Bucks had no answer for him. He scored from all over the floor - midrange, post-ups, drives, even a three - and did it while drawing fouls and controlling the glass.
He even threw down an alley-oop dunk for good measure. Milwaukee tightened up on him a bit in the second half, but with George cooking, Embiid didn’t need to force the issue.
His early dominance set the tone, and the Sixers never looked back.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: B-
Oubre didn’t have his best offensive night, struggling to find a rhythm with his shot. But he stayed engaged in other areas, particularly on the defensive end and on the boards.
He brought toughness and energy, helping the Sixers maintain their edge against a Bucks team that never really found its footing. Sometimes it’s not about the box score - Oubre made sure his minutes still mattered.
Jared McCain: A+
With Quentin Grimes sidelined, McCain got an extended look - and he made the most of it. The rookie guard came in firing, knocking down a wing three early and attacking the rim with confidence.
But it was in the fourth quarter where he truly shined, draining four triples to keep Milwaukee at bay. He looked as confident as he has all season, and it’s fair to wonder if those garbage-time minutes in Charlotte helped spark this breakout.
Either way, McCain gave the Sixers a huge lift off the bench.
Justin Edwards: B+
Edwards didn’t play heavy minutes, but he made his presence felt right away. He drilled a corner three, then followed it up with a steal and a dunk in transition.
His perimeter defense and aggressive mindset were a great fit against a Bucks team missing its primary creator. Edwards continues to show he can be a plug-and-play option when called upon.
Adem Bona: B
Bona gave the Sixers exactly what they needed in his minutes - solid rim protection, hustle on the boards, and efficient finishing around the basket. He allowed Embiid to get his rest without the team missing a beat defensively. Bona’s physicality and timing were key in holding down the paint during his stints.
Dominick Barlow: B
Barlow made an immediate impact when he checked in during the second quarter. He grabbed two offensive rebounds - one that led to an Edgecombe three, the other to a bucket of his own.
His energy on the glass gave the Sixers a mini-spark and helped them maintain momentum. It was a short stint, but a productive one.
Trendon Watford: B
Watford didn’t play long, but he made smart, efficient plays in his limited time. He put the ball on the deck and got himself an easy bucket, then added two assists in just four minutes. It was a solid, no-frills performance that helped keep the offense humming.
Bottom Line
This was the kind of performance the Sixers needed after a letdown in Charlotte - crisp ball movement, balanced scoring, and a defense that held firm even without Giannis on the other side. Paul George’s shooting stole the show, but this was a total team effort, with young players like McCain and Edgecombe stepping up in big moments. If this group can keep blending star power with depth like they did Tuesday night, they’ll be a tough out for anyone in the East.