Tyrese Maxey shines as 76ers beat Bucks 126-106 in play-in tune-up
Tyrese Maxey’s 21 points helped Philadelphia topple Milwaukee, underscoring the depth they’ll lean on as Joel Embiid recovers before the NBA play-in.
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 126-106 on April 17 in a crucial late-season tune-up ahead of the NBA play-in tournament. Maxey’s standout performance—21 points on efficient shooting—jumpstarted a 76ers offense that confidently filled the void left by their sidelined star. Meanwhile, the Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, resting before their own upcoming playoff push.
Depth test for the 76ers sans Embiid
The absence of Joel Embiid due to appendicitis was the game's biggest storyline for Philadelphia. Embiid, the reigning MVP and dominant force in the post, had been expected to anchor the 76ers’ playoff run. With Embiid out, Maxey’s ability to take over offensively signals a crucial shift: Philadelphia’s postseason success may depend on bench scoring and guard play more than before.
Maxey’s fast, assertive playstyle contrasts with Embiid’s methodical post presence, giving the 76ers more perimeter dynamism. His 21 points, among the team’s highest, show confidence and readiness. A second-year player, Maxey stepping up aligns with coach Doc Rivers’ strategy of a more balanced and adaptable offense, which could prove vital in the playoffs if Embiid’s recovery timeline stretches or if opponents force difficult matchups.
Bucks holding cards close
Milwaukee’s decision to rest Giannis Antetokounmpo was strategic but underlined how crucial he is to the Bucks’ identity. Without Giannis, the Bucks lacked their usual interior intimidation and explosive scoring, visible in the final 20-point margin. This absence in a so-called “tune-up” game suggests coach Mike Budenholzer’s desire to prioritize health over tune-up competition, a gamble familiar in the NBA’s playoff era but risky given the Bucks’ familiarity with 76ers-style physical play.
What’s next: Play-in implications and power shifts
Both teams are shaping narratives beyond this game. For the 76ers, the loss of Embiid—even temporarily—means Maxey and other secondary scorers like James Harden must maintain high output. Their performance against a hungry Bucks squad benching stars hints at the volatility of a play-in environment where any lineup unpredictability can swing outcomes.
For the Bucks, the focus is on ensuring Giannis returns at full strength for the regular playoffs, where their championship defense will be tested by teams like Philadelphia who can exploit any vulnerabilities.
As the mid-May NBA playoffs approach, closely watching Embiid’s health updates and Maxey’s scoring consistency will reveal if the 76ers can transition effectively from a one-star-led team to a more collective unit. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s health management choices—particularly around Giannis—will either prove savvy or costly.
This game wasn’t just a scoreline—it was a glimpse of potential shifts in the power balance Eastern Conference wide, with Philadelphia’s young backcourt stepping up as a possible blueprint for success beyond Embiid’s dominance.
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AP News - Bucks-76ers Score
