The Philadelphia 76ers secured a commanding 139-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, fueled by standout performances from Paul George and Joel Embiid on January 27, 2026. George led the scoring with 32 points, while Embiid contributed 29 points, including an impressive 18 points in the first quarter alone. This win came after a disappointing loss to the Charlotte Hornets where both players were sidelined for injury management.
The Bucks, who were missing key players including two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a right calf strain, struggled to maintain momentum. Myles Turner was the standout for Milwaukee, scoring 31 points, but it was not enough to halt their losing streak, marking their third consecutive loss and sixth in seven games.
George’s performance was particularly electrifying, hitting back-to-back three-pointers early in the fourth quarter, extending the Sixers’ lead from eleven to eighteen points. This decisive play underscored the team’s resurgence after a challenging previous game against Charlotte, where they trailed by as many as fifty points entering the last quarter.
The Philadelphia team had a tumultuous return from Charlotte, where their game was rescheduled to 15:00 EDT due to winter weather, ultimately landing back in Philadelphia after 01:00 on Tuesday. Nonetheless, the return of Embiid and George injected new energy into the squad, allowing them to showcase their offensive capabilities.
Tyrese Maxey also made a significant contribution, adding 22 points to the scoreboard. His connection with Embiid was evident when he assisted for an alley-oop dunk late in the first half, celebrating with visible excitement. Both players shared smiles with Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who previously led the Sixers for three seasons.
In addition to Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were further hampered by the absence of Kevin Porter Jr. (right oblique) and Taurean Prince (neck surgery). Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes was also missing from the lineup due to a right ankle sprain.
Ryan Rollins added 24 points for the Bucks, while Bobby Portis contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma also scored 17 points, but the lack of key players proved detrimental to their chances against a revitalized 76ers squad.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will face off against the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, while the 76ers are set to host the Sacramento Kings later the same evening. Each team will be looking to solidify their positions as the season progresses.
